FRANKLIN — Wes Jones, disaster relief specialist for the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board, has issued a callout for Tennessee Baptist Disaster Relief chain saw teams.
Jones said the TBDR teams are needed “to support Missouri Baptist Disaster Relief (MODR) in the aftermath of the May 16 tornadoes that impacted both sides of their state — St. Louis and the Warsaw area (what they are calling the Truman Lake Tornadoes),” he said in an email blast to DR volunteers.
Jones noted that MODR is ready to mobilize trained chain saw teams to assist with cleanup and recovery efforts.
Jones also noted in the email that government reports estimate 5,000 buildings were affected, and that many sites require hand-pulling debris or using smaller machines to navigate between tightly placed homes.
The Truman Lakes region (Warsaw, Iconium, Deep Water, Tightwad) was devastated by two tornadoes. The lake’s geography makes access and transportation challenging, Jones said.
“While (our TBDR volunteers) may prefer one location over another, filling both areas to capacity will ensure the greatest impact,” Jones said. “Of course, we will do our best to accommodate your choice, if at possible.”
If you can help, please contact MODR Planning Chief at 573-415-3663.
Those who are available to serve can also contact Jones (wjones@tnbaptist.org), Garry Maddox (gmaddox@tnbaptist.org) or Elizabeth Holmes (eholmes@tnbaptist.org). Once a team has committed to serve, details will be sent.
Donations to Tennessee Baptist Disaster Relief can be made online at tndisasterrelief.org/contributions.
