IA Sends Aid to Tornado Survivors in Tennessee

International Aid
Wednesday, 7 May 2003

Thirty-eight dead in three states. Numerous others missing. Hundreds of homes and businesses destroyed. This is the legacy of the series of killer storms which raced through the Midwest and parts of the South on Sunday.

But even as officials in Jackson, Tenn., Kansas City and Pierce City, Mo. – the areas hardest hit by the storms -- struggle to assess the damage, Spring Lake, Mich.-based International Aid is already responding to the crisis in their communities.

Acting on requests from the County Coordinator for the Emergency Management Service of Jackson, Tenn., the Christ-centered, health-focused international relief and development organization has dispatched a two-man team to the area. IA's Disaster Relief Coordinator Pete DeKryger and volunteer Chuck Hinken departed today for Jackson, Tenn., where they will assess the needs of those who survived the storms and oversee delivery and distribution of emergency relief supplies.

Severe storm and tornado warnings remain active throughout the state today, and more than 66,000 remained without power.

"International Aid is concerned with people who are most vulnerable during such disasters," says IA President and CEO Myles Fish. "Normally, they are the ones who have the least resources. Their houses are not covered with insurance and they would not qualify for loans for rebuilding. They suffer the most. The churches in the area are normally aware of these families. This is why we partner with them so the love of Christ can be shown in very practical ways."

The 24-foot truckload includes work gloves, tarps, rakes, shovels, buckets, garbage bags, blankets, hygiene kits, personal care items and food items.

International Aid will work closely with the county and state authorities, FEMA and local churches during the course of its efforts in Tennessee. The next phase of its relief work will include dispatching volunteer work teams to help vulnerable households rebuild.

IA is seeking donations to help defray the cost of transporting relief items to Tennessee. Secure on-line donations can be made by visiting the IA website at www.internationalaid.org or by calling the agency's 24-hour donation line at 1-800-251-2502. Checks may be sent to: International Aid, 17011 W. Hickory, Spring Lake, MI 49456.

For more information, or to contact International Aid, see their website at: www.gospelcom.net/ia