Two rounds for tragedy
Unexpected devastation leaves communities in need, both emotionally, financially
Issue date: 3/1/07 Section: Picture gallery
Photos by Marie De Jesus and Steve Selig
Text by Ryan Infanzon
Nobody expects a force of nature such as a tornado to go on a rampage through their town. On Groundhog Day this is exactly what happened to Deland and surrounding cities.
"I woke up around 4 a.m. when one of them was coming through and I knew it was going to be bad," recalls Stetson University student Meghan Hicks. "When I drove through that morning, I realized the full extent of the damage."
The damage incurred by these deadly winds is $19 million to businesses alone in DeLand. Many roads through Deland both in and out of the city were closed due to the destruction.
With the body count now at 21, organizations from across the county and this campus, reached out to help residents of Deland, Paisley and other hard-hit areas. At present, the Human Services Club on DBCC's Daytona campus is launching a school-wide drive to help the victims of the disaster, which followed an earlier Christmas Day tornado that destroyed almost 100 mobile homes near DeLeon Springs.
The club is looking for donations of diapers, baby wipes, baby formula, blankets, sheets, pillow cases, towels, pillows, personal hygiene and grooming items, as well as household goods, cleaning products and pots and pans.
Although some agencies are only taking money as donations, many others are accepting these much needed items. For information on where donations can be dropped off, call (386) 506-3173.
On Sunday, March 11, a spaghetti lunch, yard and bake sales, music, giveaways and more will benefit tornado victims. The event kicks off at 10 a.m. at the Cassia Community Center, off Highway 44 West of DeLand. That event is sponsored by DeLand Discount Music and the Glenwood Post Office. For information, call 736-9696.
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