More local relief on the way for new OK tornado victims



MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Even more people in the Midwest are now dealing with devastation after several tornadoes plowed through the Oklahoma City area Friday night, May 31st.

Since last week’s deadly twister, hundreds of people from our area have pitched in to help. Those efforts are now being extended.

Whipping winds and monstrous funnels damaged many areas near Oklahoma City. Nine people lost their lives and others may have lost everything they owned.

Patty Flowers with the American Red Cross said, “The deployment is ongoing. I expect we will need more now.”

Flowers said the Red Cross has been in Moore helping relief efforts for the past week and is now beefing up their presence.

“There’s been 1,200 people assigned to Oklahoma we still could have a hundred on their way today," notes Flowers

During such a traumatic event the Red Cross helps with basic needs and beyond.

“We are there in force. We’ve got three shelters open giving them food, clothing, a hug. The kids get a little teddy bear, something to hold on to," Flowers added.

The recent back to back tornadoes have many locals feeling the victims' pain.

Pat James said, “It could have been us. It’s so devastating, they lost everything.”

James is working with a group of Milwaukee businesses that came together last week for their own disaster relief efforts. They have extended the donation dates. Right now the semi is about 1/3  full of clothes, baby supplies and much more.

“They need it more than ever now. We’re going to work really hard to get it filled up,” said James. “A couple of ladies yesterday gave us 40 boxes of books to refurnish the library in Moore. Books, kids clothing, toys, personal supplies, we’re getting all different kinds of donations."

For victims who are left sifting through rubble, every little bit helps. The group hopes to have the truck filled by Friday, June 7th. If you would like to help, you can make donations at the following locations:

Mixx Night Club – 906 S. Barclay St. in Milwaukee from Wednesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Rusty’s Old 50 – 730 Old World 3rd St. in Milwaukee from Wednesday through Saturday, 3 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Pat’s Oak Manor – 1804 15th Ave. in South Milwaukee from Wednesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Johnny Mo’s – 1301 Milwaukee Ave. in South Milwaukee from Wednesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Bootz Saloon & Grill – 8950 South 27th Street in Oak Creek from Wednesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.