Saint Francis Foundation calls for community support to aid tornado victims in Butler, Wayne, and Perry counties

The Saint Francis Foundation is spearheading a relief effort to support communities affected by the March 14 tornadoes in Butler, Wayne, and Perry counties.

The foundation is organizing a "Stuff the Truck" event to collect essential household and cleaning supplies. The event will take place from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 25, at the Saint Francis Healthcare System in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, specifically at Entrance 8 parking lot.

Essential Supplies for Affected Communities

The foundation is seeking donations of various items, including household supplies such as trash bags, plastic storage tubs, quart and gallon-sized storage bags, duct tape, toilet paper, and paper towels. Additionally, cleaning supplies like disinfectant wipes, laundry detergent, hand sanitizer, and dish soap are needed. The foundation also requests miscellaneous items such as size 2 diapers, dry dog and cat food, sunscreen, and feminine products. These supplies will be distributed through Days of Caring events in the coming weeks.

Stacy Huff, executive director of the Saint Francis Foundation, emphasized the importance of community support during this challenging time.

"Several Saint Francis colleagues have been directly impacted by the storms, with some losing their homes and personal belongings. We are blessed to have internal support systems in place to assist our colleagues facing financial hardships due to natural disasters but want to also provide additional outreach to those communities affected. We appreciate your kindness and support to help our neighbors by donating items during this time of crisis," Huff said.

How to Help and Learn More

For those interested in contributing to the relief effort, donations can be dropped off at the designated location on the specified date. The foundation encourages community members to participate in this initiative to aid their neighbors in need. For further inquiries regarding donations, individuals can contact Laura Propst, senior development officer at the Saint Francis Foundation, via email at lpropst@sfmc.net or by phone at 573-331-5791 ext. 5791.

For more information on related relief efforts, readers can explore other initiatives such as FCC Behavioral Health's supply drive and Bluff First's relief mission