Andy and Madeline Zotti spent Tuesday afternoon looking for a dining room table and end tables for the home they are renting.
They aren’t used to asking for help, but they are thankful that it is available to them.
The Zottis, who lost most of their home and its contents in the Good Friday Tornado, are looking for items to fill their temporary home from a warehouse filled with donated goods for tornado victims set up in the former Goody’s location at Stones River Mall.
Greenhouse Ministries set up a tornado relief warehouse in the store after mall officials contacted them and donated the space for a month, said Cliff Sharp, executive director of the nonprofit organization that assists the homeless and low-income families.
Sharp said the $10,000 donation from Drs. Rajesh and Rieta Aggarwal and a $1,000 from each of the local state delegation went towards Greenhouse Ministries helping displaced families without insurance get housing and necessities. More than 30 families to date have visited the tornado relief warehouse to obtain mattresses, sheets, dressers or dishes for the home or apartment they are now renting.
“It is overwhelming,” Madeline said with tears in her eyes, of the outpouring of support. “People have been so kind.” The Zottis live on Highland Park Drive behind Wilkinson Pike.
Since opening, donations have flooded in from across the state, Sharp said. “Everyone wants to help,” he said. “It has been overwhelming what people have brought in.” “I am always amazed at the generosity of our community,” Sharp continued later. “It is a blessing.”
Donations of new or gently used furniture, kitchen items, bed sheet sets, towels, pillows, comforters, blankets and lamps are accepted. To donate to the Tornado Relief Fund, visit any Wilson Bank and Trust location.
Donations also can be made at the Greenhouse Ministries' office at 410 W. Lytle St. Anyone whose home was damaged in the Good Friday Tornado should contact Greenhouse Ministries at 494-0499.
Tornado victim Laura Inmon, who is neighbors to the Zottis, is also moved to tears by the amount of help that her family received after the storm. “It is unbelievable,” she said. “It is very humbling.”
Erin Edgemon can be reached at 869-0812 and at eedgemon@murfreesboropost.com. |
Email
Print
Digg
Facebook
MySpace
StumbleUpon
Google
Yahoo!