×

Relief for Wisconsin tornado victims

American Red Cross workers continues to help those impacted by the tornadoes that hit northeastern Wisconsin last week.

The most significant damage was reported in and near the Fox Valley.

The National Weather Service confirmed two tornadoes hit the region, embedded in the straight-line winds.

An EF-2 tornado with winds estimated at over 110 mph struck New London in Waupaca County just before 12:30 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 7, all but flattening Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, then continued southeast toward Hortonville, where hundreds of homes sustained damage from snapped and uprooted trees.

An EF-1 tornado with winds of 100 to 110 mph struck Brown County 25 minutes later, near Kaukauna, damaging two barns and numerous trees as it continued into Calumet County, where it blew down two metal truss towers.

Over the weekend, the Red Cross sent two mobile feeding trucks to the communities of Wrightstown, Freedom, Appleton, Hortonville and New London.

These trucks had water, ice, snacks, sandwiches and gloves for our disaster responders to distribute to those in need.

In addition, American Red Cross workers had health services and mental health professionals going door-to-door to offer their services.

American Red Cross personnel also had items including teddy bears and books to help calm and comfort children impacted by the storms.

“It’s unbelievable how responsive and dedicated the American Red Cross is…it’s great,” said Char Martinson, who was helping with clean-up efforts at her daughter’s home.

Less than 10 years ago, Martinson and her husband experienced a tornado in their hometown of Ladysmith, Wis.

“Yep, you bet Red Cross was there for us then, too,” she said.

As of Aug 11, the total response from the Northeast Wisconsin Chapter of the Red Cross includes:

– Serving 6,317 meals and snacks to those impacted.

– Distribution of 8,000 pounds of ice.

– Three shelters open (Wrightstown, Appleton and New London) for people to receive water, food, ice, take showers, a place to stay, and a place to charge electronics.

– Two mobile feeding trucks were in impacted communities delivering water, ice, snacks, sandwiches, and gloves.

– 75 Red Cross workers responding to those in need.

When walking the storm-ravaged neighborhoods, it was easy to see neighbors were helping neighbors and the whole community pitching in, Red Cross officials said.

“That’s why it’s so rewarding to drive into communities with the Red Cross supplies and a shoulder to lean-on to help people start recovering,” said Jody Weyers, a Red Cross responder.

Individuals needing help due to storm/tornado damage throughout northeastern Wisconsin, can call 1-800-236-8680 for assistance.

Disaster teams are ready to help with immediate emergency needs and officials are turning their attention to long-term recovery.

Area residents can help people affected by disasters like the northeastern Wisconsin tornadoes as well as other disasters at home and around the world, by making a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief.

The donation enables the Red Cross to prepare for and provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance in response to disasters.

Visit www.redcross.org, call 1-800-REDCROSS, or call Chapter headquarters at 920-231-3590, or visit www.redcross.org/newisconsin.

Contributions may also be sent to the Northeast Wisconsin Red Cross Chapter, or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today