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Dresden is Recovering From Tornado

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DRESDEN — Dresden is still recovering for a devastating EF-3 tornado that heavily damaged the downtown and surrounding areas. More than 100 structures were destroyed, however, no casualties or serious injuries resulted from the December 10 storm.

Volunteers Are Still Needed
Dresden Mayor Jeff Washburn said volunteers to assist in the disaster recovery effort for Dresden are still needed as we continue to clean up our city by removing debris and return services to our citizens.

During the past week, we had a vast turnout of volunteers and some days the number desiring to work exceeded our ability to assign work for the day. In such cases, volunteers were asked to report back later with the full knowledge that as time goes on the number of volunteers would dwindle.

Part of our plan all along has been to reserve some of our volunteer resources (those wishing to volunteer) until later in the clean-up operation in order that we could keep the volunteer work going as long as feasibly possible. At the present time, we have many crews waiting to come in after Christmas and on into the new year when many current volunteers will have to return to work or otherwise be unavailable.

There will be a need for volunteers for many weeks after the new year and we want to invite persons desiring to volunteer to keep Dresden as a location to work and assist in this vital clean up process. We are far from finished and welcome your assistance as we move forward.

Lastly, we want to thank everyone who has helped in the enormous clean-up process that has already taken place. A tremendous amount of progress has already taken place and we are eternally grateful to each and every one that has assisted. May God bless and enrich you in our earnest prayer.

Dresden Community Assistance Center is Open
Persons affected by the December 10 tornado and needing post-disaster assistance may apply at the Weakley County Adult Learning Center located at 8230 Highway 22 in Dresden. The American Red Cross is present and providing assistance for eligible persons in the affected area including financial and other types of assistance. The Community Assistance Center is open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily to take applications for assistance. Persons applying should have a photo ID and proof of residence in the affected area with them when make application.

Plans are for other community service public agencies to likewise have a presence at the center to prevent services to those in need.

SANTA TO MAKE EARLY VISIT TO DRESDEN
Here’s some good news about Santa making an early visit to Dresden.

On Thursday, December 23, Santa is flying into Dresden and will land at the Dresden Elk’s Lodge at approximately 1 p.m. Santa will be visiting with children until 4 p.m. and handing out gifts to each child who visits.

This early visit by Santa has been made possible by the Tennessee Association of Realtors and a large number of donations received to provide Christmas gifts for children of Dresden.

A truck is reportedly on the way with $35,000 in Christmas gifts for children of this area.

Word was received today that one group from south Texas is on the way with 1,000 Christmas gifts for children of this area.

Other donations of gifts are likewise being made.

Tennessee Emergency Management Agency Information
On December 10-11, a line of severe storms and tornadoes swept across the state and resulted in fatalities, damaged structures and residences in more than 20 counties, and disrupted power and water utility operations.

Federal Disaster Assistance
President Joe Biden granted an emergency declaration that will make federal assistance available to nine counties impacted in the state’s tornado outbreak. The emergency declaration makes Cheatham, Decatur, Dickson, Dyer, Gibson, Lake, Obion, Stewart, and Weakley counties eligible for federal funding reimbursement for emergency measures taken in response to the disaster.

The declaration further directs the Federal Emergency Management Agency to provide direct operational assistance, if necessary, to the declared counties.

Volunteer
Volunteers can connect with Tennessee Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster at www.tnvoad.org/donate/

Give
In times of disaster, financial donations are the best way to aid those in need. Cash can be used immediately in response to a crisis, and allows disaster relief organizations to purchase exactly what is needed, when it’s needed. Cash gives relief organizations the means to procure supplies near the affected area, which cuts down on transportation time and cost. Monetary contributions also support local economies and ensure that businesses can operate when relief supplies diminish.

Charity Navigator lists many non-profit organizations supporting the tornado relief efforts in Tennessee and other states impacted over the weekend.

American Red Cross
The American Red Cross continues to serve those affected by the recent severe weather. Emergency assistance is available to individuals whose homes were destroyed or majorly impacted. For more information, please contact the American Red Cross by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).