Kim Ogden of Lufkin says she was moved to tears by the TV coverage of the human devastation caused by the recent tornadoes in Alabama.

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“I was watching a video where people found a toothbrush in the rubble of what was left of their house and they were so thankful,” Ogden said. “It made me want to help. I emailed friends and family, and this thing just took off from there.”

The drive will be held Thursday through Saturday -- the 12th through 14th -- during regular business hours at locations across the Lufkin area, including Office Depot, Chick-fil-A (Southloop Crossing), Brookshire Brothers, DP Solutions, Precise Industries and CMC Recycling.

Food donations must be canned, packaged or bottled non-perishable items that don't need to be frozen or chilled.  Beyond food, tornado victims have nothing but the clothes on their backs and just need the basic necessities of life.

For more information contact Ogden at 366-5463 or Tracy Jerke at 225-8770.

The American Red Cross is asking for cash donations to help the tornado victims.  The Red Cross needs cash to pay for hotel vouchers and buy emergency supplies specifically needed in each disaster, so the best and most effective way to help is to donate cash.

You can make a $10 donation by texting REDCROSS to 90999.  You can also call 1-800-RED-CROSS.  Cash donations to the Red Cross are tax deductible.

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