GREENFIELD, Iowa — Essential supplies for victims are piled high at St. John’s Catholic Church in Greenfield, showing without a doubt that “Iowa nice,” has turned into Iowa strength and a powerful display of resilience as donations continue to stream in.
Father Philip Bempoat of the church opened the doors quickly Tuesday evening after the tornado ripped through his community. “To try to give hope to those who have lost their houses, properties and even loved ones. We pray god will hold them and console them,” said Fr. Bempoat.
Outside of baby formula and diapers, cleaning supplies, gloves, trash bags, and tarps — new essentials are being added as needs change. Church volunteer Bethany Kintigh has helped lead volunteers and donations along with Jake Rowley of the United Cajun Navy. Kintigh said, “Today we are asking for plywood and cap nails and screws just as our volunteers arrive so we can help get windows covered. Make sure to refer to the St. John’s Catholic Church Facebook
In a four-hour span Wednesday from 4 p.m.-9 p.m. over 4,000 meals were served from the church and sent into the community. The population of Greenfield is just over 2,000. “What better for the workers and families that are impacted to bring things we do everyday to help them out and come and take a pause,” said Christina Custer who serves as the production manager at Michael Foods in Lenox.
Many victims, first responders, and volunteers began their day with a hot meal. Thursday morning Michael Foods cooked a hearty breakfast meal to fuel recovery efforts. Jaque Trip from Michael Foods knows all too well about tornado recovery as Lenox faced a similar fate nearly a decade ago. “It speaks volumes for the communities here in rural Iowa. In Lenox, we went through the same ten years ago and we know if something were to happen here other people will be there and Greenfield is seeing that as well.”
First responders, volunteers, and victims all filed in side by side. Maggie Parrish from Michael Foods said, “It’s Iowa nice. Everybody wants to help and everybody wants to make sure they can do their part and that’s the great thing about living here.”
Cleanup efforts are finding pets wandering the community and over a dozen have found refuge and reunification with their owners thanks to Dr. Cletus Mosbach, DVM, with the Greenfield Veterinary Clinic. Some animals are taking shelter because their owners lost their homes in the storm. Mosbach said, “Some had some eye injuries from debris flying around and head contusions things like that. The animals of course are terrified they’ve been through quite a bit.”
As recovery efforts continue a “Found memorabilia,” section inside the church has become a place to recover and drop off everything from family pictures and baby blankets to a wedding dress left thrown from the tornado.
The church along with the United Cajun Navy will continue to receive donations and provide three free meals a day until it is no longer necessary.
For a list of needed items and ways to volunteer or donate head to the St. John’s Catholic Church, Greenfield Facebook page.
If you are mailing any items found outside of Greenfield and you believe they may be a direct result of the tornado that hit Greenfield please send the items to 303 NE Elm Street Greenfield, Iowa in Care of Lora Blomme.