On Wednesday, August 24^th, 2016, my hometown of Kokomo, IN was struck by tornados. It’s the second tornado in 3 years, and while we’ve been blessed to have few to no injuries, there is still the fact that winds going 165 miles per hour leave a lot of destruction. Here’s ways to help.

1) Clean Up

Tornados, whether big or small, one or many, have one constant repercussion: Destruction. The image most know Kokomo by is currently that of the flattened Starbucks, but its more than that. It’s the tree limbs down around houses, power lines and roads. It’s the roofs and sidings that were lifted off houses. It’s the cars with shattered windows and damaged body’s. ANYONE can help, especially as shown by #765StandBackUp, the young people who turned out in groves to donate supplies, time and a helping hand (‘Back Up’ because it is a continuation of #765StandUp which arose in response to the 2013 Tornado).

2) Donate Water And Food

Many people can’t live in their homes because of damage. Their homes may be completely ravaged, like the apartment complex where my friend Taylor lives, or they lack electricity to heat food, water and light their homes. A care package may seem insignificant to you but to them, it could mean so, so much.

3) Send Clothes & Toiletries

When your house is destroyed, clothes are often the last thing on your mind. But when time passes, clothes become a necessity that aren’t always available. Add in that shower aspects like shampoo, body wash and feminine products are also needed, there’s not a lot to go around. When you run to the super store to grab some milk and bread, toss in some tampons, t-shirts and socks, and content yourself that while you may have added some cost to quick run, you may have brought tears to the eyes of parents who are trying to figure out they are going to clothe their kids when they have no closets let alone house.

4) Spread The Word

If you can’t donate, that’s ok! Just reading this and thinking of a way to help can make an impact. Share links so that others know where they can donate money, send items or where they should sign up to volunteer. Here’s some links that you should definitely check out:

http://www.colts.com/community/tornadorelief.html

http://fox59.com/2016/08/25/heres-how-you-can-help-the-central-indiana-tornado-victims/

http://unitedwayhoco.org/community/give

https://www.redcross.org/donate/donation

5) Don't Forget About Us

Soon, the smoke will no longer signal where Kokomo’s damage is, the spark will not burn out. When the news crews pull away and the kids go back to school (which will take a while as many schools are without power), there will still be people trying to piece their life together in the wake of one of Mother Nature’s most unpredictable aspects. Don’t feel bad for sharing the funny dog video, but maybe keep the great city of Kokomo in mind. We are so grateful for the hand that the great state of Indiana and America have given us, and we ask only that you keep that hand extended as we #765StandBackUp.