COOKE COUNTY, Texas — As officials determine the full scope of destruction caused by a tornado Saturday, resources are becoming available to help families impacted by the storm. Plus, there are opportunities for those not affected to assist the victims.
The tornado-causing storm that ripped through North Texas killed seven people, injured hundreds and leveled homes and structures across Denton, Cooke and Collin Counties.
Officials are now releasing information for those seeking to help the victims of the storm through donations or volunteering. Thge city of Valley View is seeking donations of specifc goods including: Depends, bread, batteries, flashlights, bug spray, sunscreen toilet paper and brown paper bags.
In Denton County, those interested in volunteering can meet at 8 a.m. tomorrow May 28 at Pilot Point City Hall, 102 E Main Street. Volunteers will be coordinated by Disaster Aid uSA and required to sign a waiver. Officials encourage volunteers to bring chainsaws, trucks, trailers, work gloves and sturdy shoes.
In Celina officials said there are enough volunteers working in impacted areas and are asking people to stay clear of County Road 101. Nonprofits Little Wooden Penguin and Grace Bridge are accepting donations to support survivors of the storm.
Needed items include water, Gatorade, trash bags, gloves, cleaning supplies, diapers, wipes, pet food, paper towels, dy food and toiletries, the Celina Police Department said in a release.
A shelter is now open to help victims of the storms access, shelter, food and water as many of them prepare to rebuild their lives. The American Red Cross is in Valley View, Texas providing assistance at— Valley View High School gym, 700 S. Frontage Road, Valley View, TX.
Those wanting to donate goods can drop them off at the Ag Building behind the football field, 805 S. Lee, Valley View, TX.
The Salvation Army will deploy three mobile kitchens to provide food and services to survivors of the storm Monday, May 27. The mobile units will be in Valley View, Sanger, Lake Ray Roberts and Celina. On Sunday, the Salvation Army provided over 600 meals to people impacted by the storm.
The American Red Cross is and Texans on Mission are on site in North Texas to help families recover from the storm.
GraceBridge, a nonprofit based in Celina is providing victims of the storm with resources and supplies, Collin County Judge Chris Hill said in a statement. The organization is also accepting donations today at 402 S Oklahoma Drive, Celina, TX.
The city of Pilot Point in Denton County is calling on those seeking to help clear debris from the storm to meet at City Hall, 102 E Main St., Pilot Point, TX. Officials are asking volunteers to bring chainsaws, trailers, trucks, heavy work gloves and shoes for protection.
The Denton County Office of Emergency Management posted that those seeking to help families impacted by the storm can donate to United Way of Denton County.
Major damage at Ray Roberts Lake State Park prompted officials to close down the entire park except to campers already on site. Pizza and water is available to those impacted by the storm at Pilot Point Coffee House, 110 W Main St. Pilot Point, TX, emergency officials said.
Several families interviewed by WFAA have created GoFundMe pages to help them recover from the storm. The Esparza family, who lost three people Saturday, is seeking help with funeral expenses. The Aragonez family is raising money to rebuild their family home.
WFAA and Tom Thumb/Albertson's announced a partnership Wednesday to raise money for relief efforts in the wake of the devastating severe thunderstorms and tornadoes that caused widespread damage across North Texas.
Customers can donate to the effort by visiting any Tom Thumb or Albertsons store and making a donation through the pin pad at the checkout. Customers also can donate online.