World Vision Rushing Supplies to Families, Communities Affected by Deadly Tornadoes

World Vision provides relief goods to families affected by tornadoes in 2013. The organization is rushing supplies to storm-affected Arkansas.
World Vision provides relief goods to families affected by tornadoes in 2013. The organization is rushing supplies to storm-affected Arkansas. PHOTO: Lindsey Minerva / World Vision

Grand Prairie, Texas (April 29, 2014) — Christian humanitarian organization World Vision will send relief supplies tomorrow to rural Arkansas communities hard-hit by this week’s deadly tornadoes.  The storms, which are forecast to continue in parts of the South and Midwest have killed an estimated 35 people and have destroyed hundreds of homes and businesses.

“We respond to tornadoes nearly every year, but this storm system is bigger than anything we’ve seen in a while,” said Phyllis Freeman, World Vision’s director of domestic disaster response from the organization’s domestic disaster response warehouse. “Affected communities are spread all over the region, but it’s still critical that every community is served and supported during this difficult time.”

The shipment will include supplies like blankets, clothing and personal hygiene kits for between 900 and 1,200 people in and around Mayflower, Ark., about 40 miles north of Little Rock, where more than 15 people were killed in this weekend’s storms.

PRESS AVAILABILITY:

Who: Relief warehouse staff members Gilbert Young and Froswa Booker-Drew will be available for interview at the warehouse.

When: Tomorrow, April 30, 2014 from 9 to 11 a.m. CT

Where: World Vision’s domestic disaster response warehouse at 3325 Roy Orr Blvd., Suite 300, Grand Prairie, Texas 75050

Between October 2012 and September 2013, World Vision provided relief to nearly 80,000 people in the aftermath of five U.S. disasters, including SuperStorm Sandy in New York and deadly tornadoes near Oklahoma City.

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About World Vision:
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization conducting relief, development, and advocacy activities in its work with children, families, and their communities in nearly 100 countries to help them reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender. For more information, please visit www.WorldVision.org/media-center/ or on Twitter @WorldVisionUSA.

Highlights

  • Organization sending supplies to devastated Arkansas community tomorrow
  • Supplies will include blankets, clothing and hygiene kits
  • Plan to serve 900-1,200 people tomorrow and more in coming days