SEMA, Red Cross In Doniphan Today For Tornado Victims

Help is available for victims of the Memorial Day weekend tornado. Disaster relief and information about resources are being offered today in Doniphan, where a MARC (Multi-agency resource center) is set up at the Cottonwood Event Center, 506 Pine Street, until 8 p.m. "This MARC is typically for people who have had damage to their homes by the tornado and storms," explains Ana Candelli, a disaster resiliancy Corps member with the American Red Cross. The Red Cross and representatives from SEMA (State Emergency Management Agency) are on hand to speak with people who have suffered losses, to find out what individual and family needs are, and to direct them to the appropriate agencies. "The goal of the Red Cross is to provide a one-stop walk-through with everything under one roof. Everyone's needs are different. We have intake workers who sit on a computer and talk with victims, find out what happened to them, and provide them as best we can with assistance, tailored to their needs," says Candelli. Resources include but are not limited to helping people who are having difficulty getting their insurance claims processed, providing Walmart gift cards for the purchase of lost necessities, and putting them in contact with social services, mental health support and spiritual care. Anyone who was affected by the storms is urged to come in and apply. Food and childcare is also being provided. Anyone who needs help and did not attend Wednesday's MARC, may still get help by contacting the American Red Cross at 1-800-Red Cross, or going online to Missouri Red Cross.