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Local News
Crowley community rallies to help storm victims
By By Danielle Novy/bcnews@trcle.com
May 9, 2008, 12:46

In the aftermath of the April 23 tornado that swept through Tarrant County and left more than a dozen homes in shambles, the Crowley Area Chamber of Commerce rallied area businesses together with undeniable success.
A mass e-mail requesting donations was sent to chamber members, and president Eileen Yarborough and Mary Jane Stuart asked select businesses for help in person.
“Every place that we went to, no one said no,” Yarborough said. “Everyone gave.”
Yarborough said she and her husband realized they knew many of the people affected by the tornado while watching the morning news. When she saw the devastating pictures of the wreckage in the newspaper, she knew she wanted to help.
“It really hit home that we should help meet these families’ immediate needs,” she said.
Joining forces with Stuart, Yarborough asked the chamber’s chairman of the board, Dusty Babitzke, if he approved of seeking donations.
“Without hesitation he said ‘Yes,’” Yarborough said. “Then we went from business to business collecting prepared food, gift cards, water and paper goods.”
The pair then headed toward the path of wreckage left by the tornado and dispensed the community’s gifts to those whose homes were hit by the storm, as well as the crew working to clean the rubble.
Chamber members also donated nearly $1,000 within several hours of receiving Yarborough’s e-mail explaining the need for help.
“That really says something about community,” she said. “Everyone really rallied together.”
The strength of the storm’s victims was also an inspiration, she said, and she was amazed at their determination.
“Being amongst all the chaos, I was very humbled by all their resilience,” Yarborough said.
If you’d like to make a donation to help tornado victims, call the Crowley House of Hope at 817-297-6400.