Tushka Begins Long Task Of Cleaning Up After Deadly Tornado

Jon Jordan, News 9

TUSHKA, Oklahoma -- Volunteers are donating their time and resources to help clean up Tushka following Thursday's deadly EF-3 tornado.

Donations piled up Saturday at Way to Victory Church. Generous people dropped off clothes and other essentials for residents who lost everything when the twister tore apart their town. Mindy Brittain's husband is the church's pastor.

"We know so many people personally that has (sic) lost their home, and that's touched our heart. We just want to be useful in any way we can," Brittain said.

Many people are also jumping in to clear roads and yards of debris.

"A lot of us are lucky," said volunteer Brian Cathey. "We didn't have damage to our homes, so we are trying to help those who've had bad misfortunes in the storms."

Darylene Price turned 75 years old Saturday. Despite the destructive tornado and mounds of debris around her home, she found a reason to celebrate.

"It's the greatest present I have ever had. It's the people who show God's love by coming and helping us."

The Tulsa Area Red Cross is also helping Tushka residents. It provided more than 700 meals Saturday. The temporary shelter the organization set up in Atoka for those displaced by the tornado will close Sunday morning.