The devastating effects of last Friday's tornadoes have been humbling, as in just a few moments thousands of lives have been changed forever. Areas impacted include the communities of Moscow, Bethel, Piner, and Crittenden in United Way's service area. Let me speak for everyone at United Way and say that our thoughts and prayers go out to every family and business touched by this random force of nature.

United Way has made a first grant of $100,000 available for relief and recovery efforts. Specific grants from the funds will be made as soon as short- and long-term relief and recovery needs are identified. United Way is also working with others to bring additional resources to the table as needs related to rebuilding are assessed.

United Way 211 has been handling calls since Friday afternoon and connecting people and agencies with ways to get help and to volunteer. This 24-hour service is available to anyone dialing 2-1-1.

When any disaster hits, there's an immediate need to help, and the region's first responder, the American Red Cross, has been on the ground helping people with food, shelter and counseling since the tornadoes hit. The American Red Cross and United Way are fundraising partners in the annual United Way campaign and the Red Cross is able to meet those immediate needs in part because of $5.2 million in United Way funding made possible by your gifts to United Way.

We will keep you informed of our collective efforts, and as always, thank you for all you do to ensure our communities are able to respond when disaster strikes.

Rob Reifsnyder

President, United Way