Central Florida Tornadoes
   
Compassionate Alliance's Ministry to those affected by the Tornadoes  
   
Distribution

• CA managed all official points of distribution (PODS) in Lake County Florida. Sites included: Lady Lake, Paisley and Lake Mack.
• CA donated in excess of $100,000 of relief supplies. Items included food, personal hygiene items, cleaning supplies and clothing.

Volunteers / Churches

• CA assimilated more than 10 different church denominations into the relief effort.
• Along with these church groups, CA provided an effective way for approximately 500 volunteers to meet physical, spiritual and practical needs of victims, families and their neighbors.
• Volunteers donated approximately 4000 hours of time.
• CA organized the cleanup and removal of the majority of homes destroyed in the Lake Mack / Cooter Pond area where there was the most intense storm damage and loss of life.
• CA is committed to providing assistance through long term recovery efforts.
• CA has worked closely and harmoniously with the State of Florida, Lake County Emergency Management, The Villages, City of Lady Lake, Volunteer Florida, FLVOAD (Florida Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster) Florida Baptist Disaster Team, Christian Contractors Association, Operation Blessing, Lutheran Church Charities and many others.
• CA has participated in establishing a new program for volunteers called the Volunteer Reception Center which is in conjunction with federal, state and local governments to provide a solution for volunteers who wish to work during the long term recovery. This program is the first ever of its kind.
• CA continues to work closely with private corporations to bring in heavy equipment for the removal and clearing of debris from the storm path.
 		  
   
Late February, 2007: Central Florida Tornado Relief Continues  
   
Compassionate Alliance is continuing to reach out to those affected by the Florida tornadoes. Supplies and donations are still needed and we greatly appreciate those who are willing to partner with us in this ministry.

Please consider being part of the Lake Harris Rally for Humanity next month on March 16-18. Proceeds will help tornado victims through Compassionate Alliance. Together we can make a difference!
   

February 10, 2007  Central Florida Tornado Update: Compassionate Alliance Mobilizes Volunteers 

One week ago, 20 people died and hundreds were left homeless as tornadoes swept through four counties of Central Florida. For the past week, Compassionate Alliance has managed the points of distribution (PODs) for the State of Florida and the Emergency Management Office. Thousands of people impacted by the storms have received help and spiritual counsel.

Today, over 100 volunteers from local churches (New Testament Baptist Church, Meadowbrook Community Church, Dunnellon Methodist, Ocala First Baptist, and The Ocala Springs Church) helped clear the rubble left by the tornadoes. At one sight near Lake Mack, a trailer home was lifted by the storm and moved 600 feet from its foundation. A grandmother, her daughter and granddaughter were killed in the violent winds, and their automobile was found in a neighbor's lot another 500 feet in an opposite direction. The funeral for this family was held on Friday. Because the devastation was so severe, the family asked if Compassionate Alliance would go through the debris and see if some of the personal items could be found. Christians carefully examined the remains of the trailer home and found photos, Social Security cards, personal checks and many toys of the young nine year old.

Long after the media has moved on to the next story, concerned Christians continue to help people put their lives back together. Compassionate Alliance will continue to lend a helping hand for months, and if need be, years to come. When you help us minister to the hurting, you are wrapping your arms of concern around people until they can stand and begin to rebuild their lives. Please consider joining us in sharing practical love and hope to the people of central Florida. Your tax deductible gifts may be designated for tornado relief when you donate on-line.
More information from our entire response is available on the Central Florida Tornadoes page. You may also read more about our relief efforts from Central Florida News 13.

 

 
February 10, 2007

Along with other relief organizations, Compassionate Alliance was thanked by Governor Crist for our work during the tornado response. Another stunning photo of the intensity of the storm was captured by a family in Central Florida.

        
 
   

February 5, 2007  Relief Continues in Central Florida

In the wake of the devastating tornadoes of last week, Compassionate Alliance continues distributing supplies and hope to those hit hardest. This last weekend, Compassionate Alliance organized the 3 points of distribution for relief supplies in central Florida. Lady Lake, Lake Mack and Paisley were all cities where food, blankets and relief supplies were distributed to families and individuals. Compassionate Alliance has met with the governor and other relief agencies of Florida and is continuing to distribute the supplies donated by generous individuals and organizations.

The need is still great and continuing. Just today, Compassionate Alliance has learned of other areas such as Wildwood, where the tornadoes devastated 20 homes. Many of these areas go unnoticed by the media, but the impact on the lives of familes and children is still great. We are committed to meeting the emerging needs in these areas. For emergency contact with our staff in the field, please call Steve Ewing at 352.209. or Cyndy Hoffman at 352.427.. More photographs of our relief are available on the Central Florida Tornadoes page.

Please consider joining us in sharing practical love and hope to the people of central Florida. Your tax deductible gifts may be designated for tornado relief when you donate on-line.

 

 
   

Thanks to those who have generously donated and contributed to the ongoing tornado relief. We continue to solicit your continued support in order that we might bring compassion to those affected by this disaster.

The following are images from our relief sites immediately after the tornadoes.
 
 
   

February 2, 2007 Emergency Response in Florida

Early Friday morning, 150 mile an hour winds struck central Florida and destroyed 1500 homes. As of Friday afternoon, there are 19 confirmed deaths and 10,000 individuals without electrical power. The tornadoes hit a four county area and completely destroyed the Church of God in Lake County.

Compassionate Alliance has mobilized a response team and is meeting with Florida State officials to set up three points of distribution (PODs) in the devastated areas. 15 semi-truck loads carrying water, ice, baby goods and food are being delivered to central Florida for immediate distribution to people in need. Compassionate Alliance is working closely with the Governor and State Emergency Management offices to maximize the aid and avoid duplication of services. Local churches, Assemblies of God, Baptist, and Methodists, are also joining with Compassionate Alliance to mobilize assistance, clean up the areas and help in the distribution of needed items.

Contributions are desperately needed at this time, please consider partnering with us financially to minister to the families and individuals hit by this disaster. Gifts may be sent to: Compassionate Alliance, 2200 NE 36th Ave. Suite 508, Ocala, Florida 34470. Donations given by credit card are especially appreciated as they allow us to mobilize resources more quickly. You may donate directly via the electronic donations page on this website.

More information on our response will be posted as soon as the details become available. Together we are making a difference.