Tornado damage continues to disrupt the lives of those in Mena. Tuesday, Mena Middle School announced it's closing because there is just too much damage to the building. As a result it will be condemned. That means up to 465 students will have to attend classes either in a nearby church or in the neighboring community of Hatfield.
Governor Mike Beebe wants the White House to declare Miller, Polk and Sevier counties major disaster areas. If the request is granted tornado victims would be eligible for federal relief funds as well as temporary housing and crisis counseling. State estimates show the storms damaged more than 650 homes in the three counties. People in central Arkansas are doing what they can to help make the process a little easier.
The Gap Mission is collecting donations for storm victims.
Not only do they minister through song, but members of Gap Mission also minister through giving.
"what we do is what we believe in. We believe in people helping people, " says Jim Hance,
The people of Mena really need a helping hand. A tornado ripped through the town last week, killing three people and damaged dozens of homes and businesses. Many people are left with nothing. This groups says while they can't change what happened, they reach out to those in need.
Gap Mission set up in Mayflower to take donations of money, food, and clothing for storm victims. Arkansans are responding.
"I cried. I feel sorry for them. I mean I hope I am never in that situation, but it can happen to any of us. I hope everyone comes out and gives like I did," says Cynthia Taylor, donor.
Tuesday was actually the second day Gap Mission has collected donations. They were in Conway Monday and people there and showed their generosity.
Jim Hance says with the spirit of the people, Arkansas will prevail. "I believe people will just try to help people."
The people in Mena really need all the help they can get.
Here are some of the things that they need:
- Paper products
- Flashlights
- Snack food
- 5 gallon jugs of Kerosene
- Lamp oil
A Mena/Polk County Disaster Relief Fund has been set up at Union Bank. Contributions to help storm victims can be mailed to
Union Bank, P.O. Box 898, Mena,
AR 71953. You can also call
479 394 2211. All funds will benefit those affected by last week's tornado.
