Oklahoma Baptist volunteers helping in Moore, Okla.

by | May 21, 2013 | Tornado | 10 comments

At least 80 volunteers on-the-ground already helping

MOORE, Okla. – With Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief teams already responding to severe weather from Sunday, May 19 in several locations, including Shawnee, Edmond and Little Axe, Oklahoma Baptists are today assisting with recovery efforts from the devastating tornado that hit Moore, Okla.

“Within moments of hearing of the destruction in Moore, we put together a rapid response volunteer team to help with the clean-up and recovery efforts,” said Sam Porter, Disaster Relief director for the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma (BGCO). “Our teams are on-the-ground now surveying the area and helping where we can be of most assistance.”

Since Sunday’s storms, at least 80 volunteers were deployed, including a mobile command center, a mobile kitchen and feeding units, chainsaw teams to help residents clear trees and debris, and about 10 chaplains on-the-ground to help victims with emotional trauma.

“We will not leave the sites affected until every family is served,” said Dr. Anthony L. Jordan, BGCO Executive Director-Treasurer.

Those interested in helping can make a tax-deductible donation to the BGCO’s Disaster Relief ministry, by visiting www.bgco.org/donate or calling (405) 942-3800. All monies go toward disaster relief and helping victims. For photos, information and updates, visit the Oklahoma Baptists’ blog at www.okdisasterhelp.com.

10 Comments

  1. Adriana on May 21, 2013 at 3:40 am

    Please let us know if you guys are taking clothes, wipes, diapers, water donations…

    • bgco on May 21, 2013 at 4:45 am

      Adriana, thank you for your willingness to donate! We are currently unable to take these types of donations but there are other groups that are collecting them. Please check with other organizations, and local churches to find a place to donate these items.

    • Diane Davis Kniskern on May 21, 2013 at 6:00 pm

      Highland Baptist, is currently a Red Cross shelter at 4th and Sunnylane Rd in Moore, basically at ground zero. The mailing address is: 2425 SE 4th St, Moore, OK 73160

      They need food, water, wipes, and diapers; also fuel for generators (still without electricity).

  2. Katie Robinson on May 21, 2013 at 4:08 am

    I would like to come volunteer to help in any way I can. I am free all day tomorrow. Is there somewhere in Moore where I can go and assist with the relief efforts?

  3. Dana Sipes on May 21, 2013 at 1:46 pm

    Donation submitted: we heart you Oklahoma and you are in our hearts. Godspeed to all of you and the volunteers.
    The Sipes Family
    Minneapolis, MN

  4. tom stanton on May 21, 2013 at 4:00 pm

    Sharpening chainsaws and sharing Christ in the storms of life is what I have been doing for a long time now. I have sharpened a lot of saw for Baptist Men and am in the Dallas area. If I can be used anywhere I could get there tomorrow.

  5. David Wallis on May 21, 2013 at 8:23 pm

    I can volunteer, have training of kitchen, chainsaw, chaplain. My number is _ or _

    David Wallis

    • bgco on May 21, 2013 at 8:34 pm

      David,

      Please contact your local association DR rep to see how you could be used. Thanks!

  6. bgco on May 22, 2013 at 11:55 pm

    David, please call Dean Kiser 405/760-9697.