Brethren Disaster Ministries staff have directed a grant of $15,000 from the Church of the Brethren’s Emergency Disaster Fund (EDF) to help Church World Service (CWS) distribute relief kits and blankets and give support for unaccompanied minors following the December 2021 tornados.
On Dec. 10-11, a devastating outbreak of 61 confirmed tornados swept through 8 states, with Kentucky, Illinois, and Missouri being most affected. Two extraordinary storms traveled more than 100 miles each, producing tornados along the way. It was the largest outbreak of tornados in December on record and, with 90 confirmed deaths, the deadliest. The resulting destruction leveled whole towns, such as Mayfield, Ky., but also caused additional damage along the 250-mile paths of the storms.
In response, CWS has sent blankets, hygiene kits, school kits, and emergency cleanup buckets to affected communities that requested aid. Some of the kits were assembled by Church of the Brethren congregations.
CWS also has focused on providing basic needs and longer-term support for unaccompanied children affected by the tornados. These children fled dangerous situations in their home countries, and many have experienced significant trauma both in the journey to the United States and now in this tornado outbreak.
To contribute financial support to this grant, give online at www.brethren.org/give-winter-tornados.
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