A week after EF-3 tornado ripped through St. Louis, the human spirit offers a bright spot amid a sea of destruction
ST. LOUIS, Mo. (First Alert 4) - Seven days after a tornado tore through the heart of St. Louis, people continue to come together to help one another.
On Friday, a large scale donation drive brought temporary relief to hundreds of storm victims, who lined the streets near the O’Fallon Park Rec Complex.
Many people in line, trying to gather essentials for friends, family and neighbors without access to transportation.
“So many people had their cars damaged during the storm, and now they can’t get anywhere,” said Diane Davis. “So transportation is a big need right now.”
Jay Ali lives in St. Louis and wanted to help his neighbors through some sweat equity, carrying boxes of food items to and from cars in line.
“I couldn’t just stand by and not come in and help this community try to recover in any way I could,” he said.
As people waited in line, volunteers surveyed their needs in an effort to gauge how immediate needs could be met.
“All these people, their roofs caved in, these people are suffering,” said Davis. “They are suffering!”
Patricia Primm’s brother gave her a ride to the donation drive.
“A lot of people around me don’t have cars, so I kind of like to help them a bit,” she said. “So some of what I’m getting I’m sharing with those who don’t have cars.”
In addition to household essentials, cleaning products and food, volunteers offered plywood and tarps to those looking to secure their homes ahead of more rainfall.
“Things like this help people get grounded and give you a start, but there’s a long way to go,” said John Michener. “Like there is after any disaster like this.”
As donations continue to roll in, many people are thankful for the , but still in shock over what the last seven days have brought to their lives.
“I can’t even wrap my mind around it, I don’t even have words to describe it,” said Shanice Jackson.
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