Relief efforts are underway after a sizable tornado tore through Dickinson County.

Geary County Emergency Management Director Gary Berges says that although many may want to help, it’s best not to dump off items like clothing and furniture because it may be difficult to find places to store these items as the amount donated grows.  Instead, he suggests that those interested in making donations contact the local American Red Cross.

The American Red Cross currently has a shelter set up at the Community Center at 1020 NW 8th Street in Abilene. 

Dennis McMurray, a representative from the Red Cross, says that at this point in time they are still doing disaster assesments so the full needs of the Dickinson County community are not yet known.

One thing they do need is food. Food donations are welcome at the Community Center in Abilene. Victims of the tornado and volunteers are receiving mobile feeding from the emergency response vehicles  in the areas affected including Chapman and Abilene.

To volunteer or donate food, contact the Community Center at 785-263-7266.

The American Legion in Chapman is offering assistance to all of the volunteers in the area today. From 12:30 pm and continuing all afternoon they will be supplying food and water to volunteers. If you are in need, and unable to make it out to the American Legion they will bring food and drink to you.

The American Legion in Chapman is located at 222 1/2 S Marshall St and their contact number is 785-922-6443.