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Reporter-News Archives Friday, May 7, 1999 Tornado relief efforts continue By JERRY DANIEL REED Senior Staff Writer Contributions of cash, food and household goods continued to flow in Thursday as an outpouring of compassion from Abilene and Big Country residents to Oklahomans devastated by a massive killer tornado Monday night. A parking-lot collection by KRBC-TV netted almost $8,000 in cash and an 18-wheeler that was filled and ferried to Oklahoma City on Wednesday, along with another truckload expected to be shipped today. Walk-in donors left $1,180 at the Big Country chapter of the American Red Cross, with several fund-raisers around town still to report, said Joan Kinter, disaster coordinator. The first truck loaded on KRBC’s parking lot hauled more than 50,000 pounds of goods, said Vivian Wilkes, Salvation Army administrative assistant. Schools in nearby towns also were scheduled to collect articles today, and the Abilene Fire Department has been doing the same, Wilkes said. Cumulus Broadcasting Center, 2525 S. Danville Drive, teamed up with KTXS-TV to collect goods to be delivered to the tornado victims via the Salvation Army. A mid-sized Ryder-type truck was loaded late Thursday, ready for the Salvation Army to ferry north early today. Trace Michaels, Cumulus operations manager, said the truck was filled with blankets, canned goods, bottled water, clothing, shoes, and a variety of beverages. J.B. Cloud, Y-99 program director, said the Cumulus stations have been plugging all contribution points. “Our philosophy is, it’s not as important where you give as it is that you give,’’ Cloud said. Several businesses and individuals have loaned their vehicles to be used in the collection and hauling of goods to Oklahoma City. Cash contributions may be made to the Salvation Army at its Abilene headquarters, 1726 Butternut, or by mail to P.O. Box 6929, Abilene, TX 79608. Credit card donations may be made by calling (214) 353 0414 or 1-800-253-1868. The Red Cross will accept contributions at the American Red Cross, P.O Box 37243, Washington, D.C., 20013. Credit card donations may be made by phone at 1-800-257-7575 or by secure Internet online connection at www.redcross.org. Send a Letter to the Editor about This Story | Start or Join A Discussion about This Story Send the URL (Address) of This Story to A Friend: Enter their email address below:  texnews.com Reporter OnLine Local News Texas News Copyright ©1999, Abilene Reporter-News / Texnews / E.W. Scripps Publications

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