Assistance League of St. Louis has helped 19 families impacted by the May 16 tornado that devastated many homes in north St. Louis. A recent case involves a family in need of 13 beds, which will be delivered soon. Those 13 beds will cost $4,062.
There are 10 children and two grandchildren in that household, living with the matriarchal head of the family.
That large family was a beacon in their neighborhood and the mom helped feed neighbors, said Tamesia Fowler, Family Support Specialist at Mullanphy-Botanical Garden Elementary School. She coordinates with ALSTL Outreach volunteers to deliver assistance to families.
Outreach members don’t work directly with families. They work with social workers who identify the families who need help.
Thus far, $21,213 has been spent to assist 48 tornado victims, including 38 children, said Karen Davis, Co-chair of Outreach.
One family that received beds, bedding, and clothing, is comprised of a mom, her two children, and her sister’s two children. The mom works full time and is also going to school. They lost everything in the tornado, due to significant water damage.
That mom expressed gratitude to Fowler for Assistance League and “their support, kindness, and generosity during a challenging time. It was greatly appreciated.” Fowler said the family is doing great in their new home.
In addition to beds, which is the first request when starting over, the families receive pillows, sheets, blankets, and comforters. Some families request and receive microwaves.
They also receive household goods, such as dishes, silverware, pots and pans, towels, laundry baskets, and cleaning/hygiene supplies. Clothes, books, and toys are also included in the assistance, Davis said.
Outreach works with Mattress Firm to purchase all the mattresses, which are delivered to the family homes. Outreach volunteers deliver the other supplies to the coordinating social workers, who then deliver the items to families.
Beds can’t be ordered until families have secured a new place to live, which is a challenge because housing options are limited. Outreach expects more requests will be submitted and considered as families find housing, Davis said.
ALSTL has a wish list on amazon to assist families. It can be found at ALSTL Wish List.
“We love Assistance League. They always come through for us. They respond quickly, sometimes on the same day that I reach out,” Fowler said. “Assistance League is awesome.”
