Businessman delivers donations to tornado victims

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COM Tornado Victims
Jim Wafford of Logan Street Signs & Banners organizes canned food donations for tornado victims March 9 at the Hamilton County 4-H Grounds before delivering the goods the next day. (Photo by Robert Herrington)

For 12 hours, Jim Wafford of Logan Street Signs & Banners gave up a day of work to collect donations for tornado victims at the Hamilton County 4-H Grounds O.V. Winks building, 2003 E. Pleasant St., Noblesville. The following day, he drove a truck down to southern Indiana where he delivered the items to a local church that would disperse the materials to those in need.

“People have been very excited about giving. They wanted to help, but didn’t know how and this has been convenient for them,” he said. “Everyone comes with one case of water. It’s just been pretty cool.”

The inspiration for the collection came from personal stories Wafford was told by his parents, who live in Charlestown – located 8.5 miles southeast of Henryville.

“They told me how their friends had lost quite a bit,” he said. “I felt moved to help.”

In conjunction with Wafford’s drive, donations were also accepted at Noblesville City Hall, and the Hamilton County Health Dept. brought a box of items to Wafford.

“People are remembering what they’ve got,” he said. “It’s just nice everybody is pitching in.”

Donations collected included water, canned goods and other nonperishable food, toiletries, first-aid items, paper towels and cleaning supplies, baby items and books. Wafford also received checks for the Salvation Army.

“As they recover, I’m sure more items will be necessary,” he said.

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