Delta Community Center provides hot meals, support for tornado victims

DELTA, Mo. (KBSI) — The Delta Community Center hosted an event today to support residents affected by the recent tornado, offering free hot meals and assistance for recovery needs.

Trays of freshly grilled food were carried into the center, with people taking containers of food home. James Colyer, Quartermaster of the Cape Girardeau VFW Post 3838, volunteered to cook slabs of meat for the Delta community during this time of need. Colyer also reached out to the Chaffee VFW for additional help.

“We’re serving pork chops, chicken breast, thighs, and legs, along with baked beans and potato salad,” Colyer said. “Sam’s Club donated $50, and we also have a relief fund at the post to help veterans. One of our members who lives in Delta asked if we could assist, so we contacted emergency management, and they gave us the go-ahead to cook tonight.”

Colyer emphasized that helping the community is central to the VFW’s mission.

“People are already telling us how good the food is, and they’re grateful that we’re here. That’s what we do. We’re a community organization, and while we primarily serve veterans, we step up when the community needs us,” he said.

Cape Girardeau County Emergency Management Director Sam Herndon highlighted the importance of providing essential supplies for recovery.

“We’ve received water, snacks, personal hygiene products, paper towels, and cleanup kits, all donated by the community, local churches, and organizations like Procter & Gamble and the American Red Cross,” Herndon said. “We’re making sure these supplies get to those in need and trying to manage the flow of donations to prevent overwhelming the center.”

Herndon urged local residents affected by the tornado to take advantage of the resources available.

“We’ve been able to bring in a good number of supplies, and we’re here to help the community get through this,” he said. “We want to make sure everyone has what they need.”

Herndon reminded residents that free meals will be available three times a day through Wednesday, giving those affected an opportunity to get the support they need.

“It’s important to come together as a community, especially when some people have lost everything,” Herndon said. “We’re one family, and we’re here to look out for each other.”