Making A Difference: TBAF & KC Beta Alpha Chapter Help Greensburg, KS Tornado Victims

Here's another prime example of how the Bubel Aiken Foundation and its supporters continue to make a difference. Last month, a tornado leveled the town of Greensburg, Kansas. Immediately after, the BAF mobilized its Kansas City Beta Alpha chapter which prepared 100 blankets and 200 shirts for the residents of Greensburg within days. Here is the abridgment of the story from the Bubel Aiken Foundation's website:

06/22/07 The Bubel/Aiken Foundation Makes Donations to Tornado Victims

On Friday, May 4, 2007 at 9:45pm, the town of Greensburg, Kansas was hit straight on by an EF-5 tornado, destroying over 95% of the town. More than 1,200 citizens were suddenly without homes, belongings, schools, churches and nearly all local business, which meant most were also without employment. Twelve residents of Greensburg and surrounding communities lost their lives.

When The Bubel/Aiken Foundation learned of the tragedy, they contacted the Beta Alpha chapter "KC Voices Making A Difference" and asked how they could help. Within days, 100 blankets and more than 200 t-shirts were on their way to a Jen Layne, the chapter contact, who distributed them to Greensburg residents.

The items were handed out to citizens during the city's first church service since the storm, where more than 1,000 huddled under a makeshift tent and reconnected with neighbors and friends. They were also distributed at high school graduation where everything for the 25 seniors - caps, gowns, diplomas, class rings, and letter jackets, were donated to replace those that were lost. Each graduate received a TBAF blanket that day for which they were very grateful. It was quite a day for them, as their graduation day should be.

More than 1,200 people lost everything that night, yet smiles on their faces were still readily available. They are finding strength they did not know they had—they are pulling together and are resolved to rebuild Greensburg better than ever before. They are also very grateful for the groups and individuals who stepped forward with donations, manpower, and support. Because of the generosity shown, including that of The Bubel/Aiken Foundation, the residents of Greensburg are slowly filling their hearts with hope, which will help carry them through the months and years of rebuilding that stretch before them.