LINWOOD, Kan. — After an EF-4 tornado touched down in Linwood, Kansas, on Tuesday, people from all over continue to lend a helping hand to victims in need.
The Sherman Township Fire and Rescue is serving as the Linwood Command Post. Several organizations gathered there Friday to set up shop to provide storm victims with necessities or a place to take a break.
“I want to get up now and start filling bags for people," said Nancy McDurmond, a victim of Tuesday's storm. "I’m used to doing that part, not sitting here going, 'bring me some toilet paper.'"
Before meeting with her insurance adjuster Friday, McDurmond stopped by the command post to eat and gather a few items.
“This fire station has just really been a blessing to be able to stop in here and sit and get my Diet Coke and water and think and make phone calls," she said.
Since Tuesday, the Sherman Township Fire and Rescue has been the central location for victims and for people looking to donate. Fire Chief Dan Tallman said the need changes every day.
“The actual need is what we are trying to identify," Tallman said.
The American Red Cross and Lions Club chapters from across the region handed out supplies Friday. The Red Cross deployed its emergency response vehicle, and the Lions Club set up its disaster relief trailer.
“We generally focus on clean-up, stuff like that. Rakes, shovels, cleaning supplies, things like that," said Stuart Sweeney, a Linwood Lions Club member. "We do have some safety gear here for people, and that’s kind of where our focus is."
On Friday, the command post had enough donations. With hundreds of volunteers scattered throughout Linwood, Tallman said they still need people who can give their time for manual labor.
“So if you dial 211, there’s a call center that will take your information, put you on a list and then we can get you involved," Tallman said.
The command post located at 100 Main Street will remain open until there is no longer a need.
