By Quinn O’Hara

Photo courtesy of the Lighthouse

After the community of Westmoreland was struck by a severe tornado on Tuesday, April 30, the Lighthouse For Christ in Clay Center quickly organized a donation drive to provide the victims with essentials lost in the disaster.

Items donated during the 5-hour drive on May 2 included diapers, water, non-perishable foods, and hygiene products. The Lighthouses’ Director Abby Sprague said the Clay Center community quickly stepped up to help.

Sprague said the items will be sent off as soon as Westmoreland’s distribution center has more space for donations. In a Facebook post on May 4, the Lighthouse For Christ said, “It’s heartwarming to see a community come together and support others in need.” and that they were “overwhelmed by the generous response [they] received within 24 hours.”