Brighton Woman Organizes Donation Effort for Tornado Victims

On May 20, a devastating tornado ripped through a suburb of Oklahoma City killing at least 24 people - including several children – and as the nation watched, relief efforts from organizations such at the Red Cross and Goodwill rushed to the aid of the Moore community.

In Brighton, one woman is determined to continue to bring aid and support to the victims thousands of miles away by organizing a local donation effort and getting crucial supplies to those in need.

Dawn Thie, founder of Neighbors that Care, originally began her organization after Hurricane Sandy. Hoping to help her home state of New Jersey, Thie soon realized that many of the large relief organizations are not designed to collect donated items and transport them to a disaster sight. 

“What I realized was, there's a need and you have these great charities that fill a very specific service, but after that there's still a big need," she said. "Which is when I realized I needed to do something."

Thie said that her organization is a way for far-away communities to provide donations as the victims of the tragedy continue the process of putting their lives back together. 

Currently, Neighbors that Care are asking for gently used spring and summer clothing, shoes and light jackets, along with new hygiene products, diapers, wipes and gift cards for pet supplies. 

People interested in donating the items can contact Neighbors the Care through their website or contact Thie for drop off locations at dthie@neighborsthatcare.com or  810.231.2290.