The First Congregational Church’s project to load a semi-tractor trailer truck full of food and goods for Greensburg’s tornado victims is being halted until consumption overtakes need.
The Rev. Chad Poland, who has been organizing the effort, said early Friday afternoon that he had just spoken with representatives of the Kansas Food Bank in Haviland and Pratt, where First Congregational’s truckload was to be stored.
“Pratt and Haviland are full,” Poland said. “It has been suggested to us that we hold off. I’m not saying it’s cancelled, but I am telling folks that it’s postponed.”
Tornado victims still have a need for money to make purchases for immediate needs, like gasoline, lodging, and other out-of-pocket purchases that would have been made with cash, checks and credit cards before the May 4 tornado carried them away.
“We’ll still be happy to receive financial contributions,” Poland said.
Messiah Lutheran Church also has delayed a trip intended to bring more helping hands to the clean-up in Kiowa County.
Elaine Whiteneck, minister of Christian education, said that the Lutheran Church’s District contacts have suggested they postpone going to Greensburg.
“They will post a need for ‘spontaneous’ volunteer crews to go out and help with the clean-up,” Whitehead said.
Information about other entities gathering food and merchandise for the Greensburg area will be published as it becomes available.