--UPDATE --

The in the State the Knights of Columbus have responded well to the Oklahoma Tornado Disaster Relief Efforts. Here is a a update report as of Thursday May 23, 2013. We started the morning to severe thunder storm with rain to almost noon. The operation base at St. Andrews was open from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm. We had 8 Knights and a couple of wives in the center for most of the day.

Tasks completed:

1. Setup forms and process information for cards and work task. Card will be distributed by the Incident Manager of the Day. Logistic was assigned to taking information about needs and assignments. the planning section was tasked with preparing resource schedules.

2. We purchase a Verizon Hot Stop to assist with internet access, it will be in installed Friday morning. This will be owned b y the state and we can purchase prepaid packages as needed to utilize it.

3. We purchased 200 $50.00 Visa Gift Cards this morning to hand out to people in need. The decision was made later in the day to purchase 200 more for the weekend. After making a better assessment of the different community needs we determined we would run out mid weekend. as of now we estimate the following needs:

a. Carney - 26 Families

b. Luther – 5 to 8 Families

c. Shawnee area – 96 Families

d. Little Axe Area – 10 to 12 Families

e. Moore/OKC Area – 1500 - 2000 Families

f. Edmond area – 4-6 Families

Now not all of these will seek assistance, but we foresee many going to the MARC’s this weekend.

4. We received our shirts and hats early this morning from the Supreme Office.

5. We picked up signs, coves and vests in the afternoon.

6. As of close of the center tonight, FEMA has not assigned MARC locations or the day they will open. We are being told maybe Saturday.

7. Handed out 5 gift cards to 3 different families that either Father requested or Catholic Charity Partnership.

8. One of our biggest request today was for plastic containers. Our State Deputy will be sending out request for them from different areas. David purchased 20 – 18 gal and Matt Purchase 23 – 30 gallon tonight out of the budget funds to starting stock for Friday.

9. Received our first list of volunteers from Supreme with 33 OK Knights and 2 out of state Knights on it. We suspect many more Friday after call blast from Supreme tonight.

10. Knights from Indiana are in route to come assist us this weekend.

11. Feed the Children is working with Catholic Charities to supply food boxes in the field. We have been requested to assist in getting these boxes into the hands of the effected residence. we will be needing assistance for unload and pickup distribution.

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My Brother Knights:

As we deal with the pain and disbelief of the disasters that have befallen our state today and yesterday I ask that we take a moment to pray for those who are victims of these natural disasters, those who are searching for survivors, those who are treating the injured, all those who are dealing with the loss of loved ones especially the children, and those who are and will over the next days, weeks, and months lend a hand to help.

I also ask for your material support for the victims. These folks are going to need a lot of things right now, things that you may have a little extra of. I am asking each council to coordinate in collecting disposable diapers, baby wipes, formula, pet food, and bottled water. These items can be delivered thru the Red Cross for now. In a few days the State Council hopes to have a coordinated delivery point for other types of items in the Oklahoma City area; such as clothing, bedding, and non-perishable food items. The State Council will provide a ongoing list of supplies that are most needed. That list can be found here. I ask that you consult this list before donating as these will be the items that are most in need.

Clean up in Moore, as well as other areas of the State, is going to take a very long time. The Oklahoma State Council is asking that if you want to assist in the cleanup efforts that you provide your contact information as well as abilities and tools available via the Oklahoma Relief Effort form. This form is a link through the Knights of Columbus Supreme website and will inform the state council of what you can provide in this time of need. After you submit the form a brother Knight will be in contact with you to coordinate your assistance in the next several weeks.

Thank you:

Dan Hogan, State Deputy