May 7, 2014
Yellow vests were spotting the disaster-struck plains of Arkansas earlier this week as volunteers cleaned up tornado debris. Mormon Newsroom reported that about 1,000 local members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have joined forces with the American Red Cross and Team Rubicon to help assist in disaster relief.
Mourning struck the United States when fatal tornadoes tore through the southeastern states on April 27th. These tornadoes killed 15 people and injured over 150 people. The twisters struck at such high speeds—reaching winds up to 180 mph—that they destroyed every building in their paths. Mormon spokesman from the North Little Rock Stake, George Wing, said:
“We were unprepared for the type of recovery we were going to face…We didn’t see a single 2-by-4 worth saving. This was not your typical chainsaw operation.”
Those spotted wearing a yellow vest are volunteers of the Church’s program called Mormon Helping Hands. This program provides members with optional service opportunities. Serving through the Helping Hands organization is one way members can create relationships with their communities and give of their time and talents to help bless those in need.
A disaster as devastating as a category EF4 tornado leaves local church leaders in Arkansas estimating that the clean-up process will take weeks. More Mormon volunteers of all ages from the Searcy, Arkansas stake are gathering to tie quilts and put together office kits for the victims.
