03/05/2012

Status of Recovery Efforts in Southern Ohio Following the March 2 Tornados

Dear Friends,

Tornados tore through Southern Ohio on Friday, March 2, 2012 destroying homes and killing at least three people. The National Weather Service in Wilmington, Ohio estimates the tornado that hit Clermont, Ohio to be an EF-3 with winds of at least 160 mph.

I have been in contact with Mary Woodward, our Disaster Response Coordinator for Ohio, over the weekend to find out how our communities and congregations in Southern Ohio were affected by the tornados. Local disaster response teams are still making assessments of the damage and loss of life. We will report to you through our synod website (www.southernohiosynod.org) the updates we receive and provide you with ways you can help.

Currently, Ohio Lutheran Disaster Response (Ohio LDR) is asking for monetary and in-kind donations. Please see the list below for details and where to send donations.

• Debris removal
  Report to Thomas Wildey Elementary School on US Rt 50, Batavia or call 513.641.6082 to see how you might help.
• School supplies
  Send to: Clermon County EMA
               Thomas Wildey Elementary School
               2040 St. Rt. 50
               Batavia, OH  45103
• Diapers, all sizes
  Send to: Your local Red Cross Chapter
  To find your local chapter click here.
• Furniture and other household items
  Please contact Mary Woodward at 740.732.6700 or mwoodward_1@msn.com
• Monetary donations: Make checks payable to Ohio LDR.
  Mail to:
  Ohio LDR
  810 Main Street
  Caldwell, OH 43724

There is a need for case management workers as families move from emergency relief/response to recovery. If you are trained as a Volunteer Case Manager and are available, please call Mary Woodward at 740.732.6700.

Additionally, the need for Spiritual and Emotional Care is great. Pr. Ron Mathews, pastor of Friendship Lutheran in Amelia, Ohio held a prayer service on Saturday, March 3 at the Boys and Girls Club in New Richmond. About 60 people participated. Pr. Mathews reports that the current major issues of concern for the people in this area are: "loss of communication and thus uncertainty of status with friends and loved ones, the death of a loved one, total or partial loss of house and possessions, and for many this is a repeat disaster event from the flood of 1997," which was 15 years ago last week.

As you pray for the people affected by these tornados, please keep the above concerns in mind. If you can provide physical, in-kind or financial assistance, please see the list of needs above.

Please also keep in mind our brothers and sisters in Kentucky and Indiana and in other parts of the country as they begin the healing and rebuilding process after such great and sudden loss.

May the Lord provide all of those affected, strength, peace and hope.

In Christ,

Cal

Callon Holloway, Jr.
Bishop