photo by: Charlie Riedel/AP Photo

A debris path crosses between damaged homes Thursday, May 30, 2019 after an EF-4 tornado tore through the countryside near Linwood, Kan. Tuesday, May 28.

Linwood and Basehor, two towns with such a close relationship that they share a school district, continued to be in it together this week following Tuesday’s EF-4 tornado that tore through Linwood and other parts of Douglas and Leavenworth counties.

Residents of both communities dropped off items throughout the day Wednesday and Thursday at Basehor-Linwood High School. The school district was accepting bottled water, cleaning supplies, gift cards and trash bags.

Ashley Razak, communications coordinator for the Basehor-Linwood school district, said donations filled up 16 truck beds outside Basehor-Linwood High School, 2108 155th St. in Basehor.

“We talked with Leavenworth County Emergency Management and the Red Cross to see which items needed to be donated,” Razak said. “We went with that list. It was overwhelming. The people have delivered.”

Groups of students, such as the BLHS football and volleyball teams, have offered to volunteer in the cleanup. Razak said there was some considerable damage to some homes in Linwood proper, but that most of the damage in town has been tree-related. Much of the severe structure destruction is outside of town along Kansas Highway 32, she said.

As far as donations go, Razak said the items that are most needed are batteries and flashlights, trash bags, tarps, mops and brooms, cleaning supplies, paper towels, toilet paper, diapers, wipes and nonperishable food.

Hygiene and health products, including bug spray, sunscreen and deodorant, are also being accepted now. Officials have determined that no more bottled water donations are needed at this time.

Leavenworth County Emergency Management told the Tonganoxie Mirror that residents and crews also would welcome plastic totes, larger containers and safety equipment such as gloves and protective eyewear.

People are welcome to drop off gift cards from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday at the BLHS main entrance. Razak said. BLHS also likely would be accepting items on an updated list Monday and Tuesday, she said. Officials recommend grocery store and gasoline gift cards or prepaid debit cards that can be used anywhere.

Items can be dropped off any day at two staging sites: Linwood Elementary School, 215 Park St., and Sherman Township Fire Station No. 2, 107 E. First St., also in Linwood.

The Linwood area got the brunt of the tornado damage in Leavenworth County. About 20 homes in and near the city were completely destroyed, as were two businesses, Free State Growers and Lin-Crest Farm. In total, 50 homes were damaged and there were three minor injuries, according to Leavenworth County Emergency Management.

Contacting Leavenworth County Emergency Management

Leavenworth County Emergency Management announced that 211 of Greater Kansas City will be coordinating information collection to pair people who need storm cleanup assistance with those who would like to volunteer their time to help.

People needing assistance (debris removal, tarp placement, chopping fallen trees, etc.), should dial 211 and identify their needs.

They should take photos of damage, but not begin cleanup until an insurance adjuster has been notified, except to protect property from further damage.

Those who would like to volunteer can call 211 and submit their information.

Other local resources

Leavenworth County Emergency Management shared several resources for tornado victims on its Facebook page. On the list are:

• Heart to Heart — a mobile medical unit staged at Linwood Elementary School, 215 Park St., Linwood. Contact Randy Stabenow, 913-208-2417.

• Leavenworth Home Depot has a mobile truck with building supplies, tarps, sheeting, cleaning, water, etc. Contact Nathan McAleese, 913-705-9169.

• Helping Horses Foundation — a resource for horse owners in need. Located at 15710 Cedar Lane in Basehor; call 913-908-6992.

• The Guidance Center — offers family assistance. Located at Linwood Elementary School, 215 Park St.

• Tall Oaks Christian Camp — Cabins are available for lodging for those in need at 189th Street and Kansas Highway 32. Call 913-301-3004 for more information.

Food and fundraisers

Elm Grove Baptist Church will have a disaster relief fundraiser at 6 p.m. Friday at the church, 15774 Linwood Road, Bonner Springs. There will be music, speakers, an update on tornado relief and community fellowship. Attendees are asked to bring a dish to share and a monetary donation to the American Red Cross.

The Fuel House will also have a pancake feed from 8 to 11 a.m. Sunday at 611 W. Second St. in Bonner Springs. All proceeds will benefit tornado relief.