United Way: More than $280,000 given to Suffolk tornado victims so far

Posted to: News Suffolk Tornadoes

By Cindy Clayton
The Virginian-Pilot
© June 24, 2008

The United Way of South Hampton Roads has distributed more than $280,000 so far to victims of the April tornado in Suffolk.

More than $625,000 in pledges have been received the organization so far, according to a news release.

The agency, along with the City of Suffolk, began helping victims immediately after the storm. Right away, the United Way of South Hampton Roads provided emergency supplies and help that was valued at nearly $40,000, the release says.

In May, an additional $144,000 was disbursed to 288 households, the release says. In June, an additional $96,000 was distributed to 61 victims.

The agency’s support effort now is in its second phase.

Get all the Facts

Submitted by hb55170 on Tue, 06/24/2008 at 11:01 pm.

I don't believe that Planned Parenthood is a supported agency of the United Way, so they receive $0.

United Way worked in conjunction with the City of Suffolk, Operation Blessing, Samaritan's Purse, Salvation Army, American Red Cross and a whole host of area Church's and over 2000 volunteers from the community to provide relief to the victims of the tornado from day one. They should all be commended for their long hours, dedication to the Suffolk community and on going efforts to provide cash grants to offset out of pocket expenses incurred by the victims.

I read this news release and surmised the following:

1. To update the public about the progress being made in distributing the dollars raised. After all, area businesses, individuals and folks around the country sent in money to help. I was happy to hear this update!
2. To show that the United Way is accountable to all who donated and received assistance.
3. I'm glad to know that our local United Way is here for all of us and stepped up to disburse these donations.

It's ashame that some who post comments only look for the "bad" in everything the news has to offer.

To the Rev...

Submitted by hatterasnc on Tue, 06/24/2008 at 7:06 pm.

huh? and how exactly does this relate to tornado relief? please go back to sleep or walking the sidewalk.

Good People

Submitted by donnas58185 on Tue, 06/24/2008 at 4:43 pm.

I am shocked that United Way would even have an article about how much money they raised or um made because the only people out there that did ANYTHING OF ANY VALUE was SALVATION PURSE AND OPERATION BLESSING and NOBODY has said or done anything on them. They worked their tails off and asked for nothing. Those two organizations have not had once ounce of credit and did so much work, held so many hands and took people in there arms and let them weep without asking for anything. They worked from sun up to sun down side by side with each homeowner until everything was done.

THANK YOU