CLAREMORE, Okla. — Light of Hope, a Claremore-based nonprofit, is still looking for ways to continue helping its neighbors more than two weeks after a tornado struck town.
Organizers told 2 News there’s a high demand for pet food, so on the evening of June 18, they held an event to distribute the food and bring people together.
Just a few days after the storm, Mindy Barbe had an idea: People would need food for their friends, she thought. It turns out she was right, because there were long food lines at the event.
But that’s only a small part of what they offered, Babb said.
Baab, the Light of Hope executive director, said the organization has distributed thousands of bags of food, and the shortages, which were there to begin with, are unlikely to end.
“You can’t store pet food in stock,” Babb said.
2 News caught up with Amanda Jones at the event, where she was buying food for her dog Luna and cat Tarzan.
“I came here to get something,” Jones said. “Once I get back on my feet, I’ll give back.”
Things are tough for Jones, but she’s doing the best she can.
“[My pets] “They mean everything to me. They’re my best friends,” Jones said.
Light of Hope Executive Director Nancy Phelps said the organization’s building was damaged in the tornado and they are operating remotely, but the organization is still operating at full capacity and providing services.
“These are things we would have had to do anyway,” Phelps said. “If there’s anything this tornado has taught us, it’s how to work together and work better.”
Bailey’s dog father, Zachary Porter, moved to Claremore just before the tornado hit and was at the event and picked up food for Bailey.
He’s proud that his new neighbors are upholding Oklahoma standards.
“Have fun, get to know your neighbors and become friends, not enemies.”
Going forward, Light of Hope will gladly accept donations of pet supplies and will happily assist those in need.
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