Tornado Relief - Moore, OK

As I sat and watched the coverage coming from Moore, OK, yesterday, I felt what most of you likely felt:
   -sadness
   -shock
   -an overwhelming desire to help.

But what could I do to help?

I was thrilled and excited when the topic of discussion came up this morning in staff meeting... what could North Terrace do to help?  As we kicked ideas around, it was suggested that we encourage folks from North Terrace (or anyone really) to purchase $25 gift cards for Walmart and then we would donate them to a church in the area.

We picked Walmart for a couple of reasons.

1. They are easy to pick up (three locations in Zanesville counting Sam's Club).  
2. You can use them at any Walmart... and let's face it, Walmart is everywhere.  
3. You can purchase anything at Walmart.  Physical needs, toiletries, food, clothing, bottled water, construction supplies... just about anything.  

So, I phoned a small church of about 50 people in Moore, OK... Community Christian Church to see if we could help them out.  I was surprised that the pastor, Bill, answered the phone.  Bill was overwhelmed with phone calls this morning from around the country today wanting to help out but answered my call because the caller i.d. said "Jim Clark."  They have a "Jim Clark" that attends their church and he assumed it was him.  He was excited that we had a tangible, simple plan to help them out.

Their church, Community Christian Church, is about 1/2 a mile from the path of the tornado.  Luckily, the church received no damage from the tornado and none of their members were impacted directly.  But there are many in their community and circle of influence who need help.

So North Terrace is mobilizing a 2-week drive (concluding on June 2nd) to collect Walmart cards for CCC in Moore, OK.  If you would like to help out, there is more information on our church's Facebook page.  I'm excited to be a part of something simple and effective to help those in need!

JC


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