Help fellow Iowans

By The Gazette Editorial Board

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It's tornado season and already Iowa has been hard hit. On Saturday, Mapleton fared worst among communities in four counties. More than 140 homes and businesses had major damage in the town of fewer than 1,300. The good news was that no one was killed.

It's yet another occasion when all Iowans need to pull together. Parkersburg understands. The community that lost six lives and 230 homes in 2008 to the state's deadliest tornado in 32 years saw thousands of volunteers show up. Now, the favor is being paid forward to western Iowans. Aplington-Parkersburg High School sent 85 students to Mapleton on Wednesday.

It's just one example of Iowans going where they are needed. And if you can't be there physically, there are other ways to help. Support emergency-aid organizations such as the Salvation Army and Red Cross. Let's do our part.

Donations:

l Salvation Army: Mark checks for “tornado relief” and send to P.O. Box 783, Sioux City, IA 51102; or online at www.salvationarmyusa.org; or call 1-(800) SAL-ARMY.

l Red Cross: www.

siouxlandredcross.org; or text REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10 to the disaster relief fund. Or, mail to Siouxland Area Chapter, 4200 War Eagle Dr., Sioux City, IA 51109.

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