NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE
May 9, 2008
The horrific devastation caused in Suffolk by the tornados on Monday afternoon has affected us all in this region and in the Commonwealth of Virginia. We are grateful that this disastrous storm system did not cause any fatalities and that injuries were not as serious as could be expected from 160 mph winds.
Currently, we know that officials from the City of Suffolk, the Commonwealth of Virginia, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and disaster relief organizations are working diligently to assist victims of the tornados quickly and efficiently. In the meantime, the Portsmouth Department of Social Services would like to play an active part and participate in this community effort to assist in the recovery and rebuilding efforts. The best way to help is through monetary contributions to relief organizations so that victims can purchase the items they need.
Mark your calendars and make plans to participate in an agency-wide yard/bake sale, Saturday, May 31, 2008 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This fundraising event will take place in the agency’s parking lot (High Street side). The rain date is June 7, 2008. (Click here for the flyer)
You can help by collecting items to sell, cooking for the bake sale, helping with sales on the day of the event, being on hand to help set-up and by promoting the event; more details to follow. Please continue to pray for the victims of this disaster and make a sacrifice to do your part to help the impacted neighborhoods. All proceeds will be donated to the United Way Tornado Recovery Fund & The Rotary Foundation.
Thank you for your support. You will receive more information about this important fundraiser in the days to come. We invite everyone in the Portsmouth community to play a part thru donations, volunteering, or other forms of support.
Gloria C. Twitty
Senior Social Worker
Volunteer Resource Coordinator
Services Intake
Portsmouth Department of Social Services
1701 High Street
Portsmouth, VA 23704-3103
757-405-1800 X8246