Dealers Aid Oklahoma Tornado Survivors

Industry businesses and associations in Oklahoma and neighboring states are providing lumber and building materials to tornado victims.

The tornadoes ravaged areas surrounding Oklahoma City May 4, demolishing over 2,4(X) homes and damaging an additional 4,5(X). Latest estimates list the destruction to both residential and commercial properties as being over $500 million.

"Thankfully, all of our members came through okay," said MidAmerica Lumbermens Association's Lana Leitner. "Sadly, many others weren't as fortunate." She added that several association members were "helping out" the tornado victims "where they could."

Dick Jennings, ownerr T.J. Lumber Co., Oklahoma City, agreed: "The same spirit that prevailed during the (Oklahoma City) bombing is prevailing again. Many of our employees have donated food and clothing. We've also raised some cash as well."

Jennings added that others, such as Cedar Creek Wholesale, Broken Arrow, Ok., and Tamko Roofing, Joplin, Mo., donated plywood, wafer- board, paint and roofing products.

"The town of Stroud was hit really bad," he said. "So was Bridgeport, just torn up. It looked like a giant weedeater had gone through. Scores of structures were flattened in Moore. too, not far from the Will Rogers Airport, southeast of Oklahoma City. Just awful."

He added that his company, which is a commercial wholesale yard, was "willing and ready to volunteer its trucks to help out in any way we can."

Besides establishing a tax-exempt relief fund for survivors, the Oklahoma Lumbermen's Association held a consumer fair May 22 at the Oklahoma City Community College. Medical and insurance professionals offered their support during the event, which also included booths for lumber and building products dealers and contractors. A second fair will be held June 19.

Volunteers from several Oklahomabased Home Depots came to the aid of farmers in tiny Mulhall, Ok., which was decimated by the tornadoes. "The town was nearly wiped out," reported Carol Webster, co-manager of the Norman Depot. "The farmers couldn't believe it when we showed up. We brought along generators so they could run their milking machines." Other donated emergency supplies included flashlights, batteries, generators, plastic sheeting and tarps.

"We just want folks to know that we're here for them in bad times as well as the good," said Gary Reed, Depot district manager, noting that two Oklahoma City Depots were being used as collection centers for food and water. "Everyone's nerves are frayed right now. When the time comes to clean up the hard-hit areas, we'll be ready with our volunteers." In addition, Home Depot donated $20,000 worth of building supplies ro the Red Cross, to aid their rescue efforts.

Oklahoma City-based coatings manufacturer the Henry Co. donated two truckloads of roof cement to Lowe's, Payless Cashways and Builders Square, who then redistributed the material to area residents. Responding quickly to an order for glulam beams, Willamette Industries, Portland, Or., shipped several truckloads to one customer, who, in turn, manufactured the wood into transmission arms for restoring power to the devastated areas.

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