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American Red Cross begins recovery efforts after Northeast Arkansas tornadoes

Relief agencies like the American Red Cross say monetary donations give them the greatest flexibility to address victims' needs.
Relief agencies like the American Red Cross say monetary donations give them the greatest flexibility to address victims' needs.

Cleanup continues after tornadoes struck this region of the country late Friday causing catastrophic damage.

Two communities especially impacted were Monette, where a nursing home was hit with one person being killed, and Leachville, where one person died inside a Dollar General. Governor Asa Hutchinson toured the damage over the weekend and called it "remarkable" that there wasn't a greater loss of life.

As the cleanup is underway, and assistance is needed by residents whose homes were damaged or destroyed, the American Red Cross is doing what it can. 

John Brimley with the American Red Cross told member station KUAR that volunteers are on the ground performing damage assessments to see how they can best help those in need.

Brumley says the Red Cross is accepting monetary and blood donations. He says people can give money to a local office by mailing a check directly to them. He also says that blood donations are also welcomed and advises people to use their app to find the nearest blood donation event.

There are several blood drives scheduled December 14-20 across Northeast Arkansas and Southeast Missouri. Blood drives and other donor locations can be found here:

  • Tues., December 14

  • Church of God of Prophecy, Pocahontas, AR - 1:30 P.M. - 5:30 P.M.
  • Neelyville High School, Neelyville, MO - 2:00 P.M. - 6:00 P.M.
  • Wed., December 15
    • Ritter Communications, Jonesboro, AR - 12:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M.
    • Campbell Community Center, Campbell MO - 12:30 P.M. - 5:30 P.M.
  • Thurs., December 16
    • Church of Christ, Wynne, AR - 1:00 P.M. - 6:00 P.M.
    • Malden Nutrition Center, Malden, MO - 1:30 P.M. - 5:30 P.M.
  • Fri., December 17
    • Southwest Church of Christ, Jonesboro, AR - 1:00 P.M. - 5:00 P.M.
  • Mon., December 20
    • Hoxie New Life Cathedral, Hoxie, AR - 12:00 P.M. - 5:00 P.M.
    • Osceola Chamber of Commerce, Osceola, AR - 1:30 P.M. - 5:30 P.M.

    Copyright 2021 KASU

    As News Director, Michael Hibblen oversees daily news coverage for KUAR. He handles assignments for the news staff, helps develop story ideas and edits copy. Michael isresponsible for starting a news-sharing partnership between public radio stations in Arkansas in 2009 which laid the foundation for what became Arkansas Public Media. He is also a regular panelist and fill-in host on AETN's Arkansas Week, where journalists discuss issues in the news.
    KUAR
    A Northeast Arkansas native from Wynne, I’ve been involved with radio for about 15 years. I got my Bachelor of Arts degree from Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, where I also served as an award-winning News Director for 2 years at KSWH-LP.