Tornado Victims Say Thank You
Students from Toler Elementary School in Garland made thank you cards for the diocese, Holy Trinity by the Lake in Heath, and Holy Trinity in Garland for aiding the school and other tornado victims. Pictured from left, the rev. Keith Turberville, the Rev. J.D. Brown, Assistant Principal Donna Hernandez and Bishop Suffragan Paul Lambert.
Letters from tornado victims have expressed their gratitude after the Diocese of Dallas help secure $6,000 from Episcopal Relief and Development, and offered an additional $5,000 to help those affected when storms ripped through North Texas the day after Christmas. Additionally, Holy Trinity by the Lake in Heath, raised more than $10,000 for the cause.
Numerous parishes throughout the diocese raised money, gathered supplies, and offered their time to help in the recovery.
One letter from the Melendez-Ramirez family said, "We wanted to thank you for allowing Toler Elementary to aid us with a Wal-Mart gift card. It will assist us in buying food. We had no power for three days and our food was destroyed. We threw away three big bags of food on the Tuesday after the tornado. You have a big heart to share your grant with us. We are thankful we have the opportunity to write his letter. We appreciate all the love you give to those affected by the tornado. This great gift will help us out during this difficult time. Thank you again."
A second note from Raylee Pesina, a student at Toler Elementary School in Garland said, "Words can't express how grateful we are for you help in our time of need. Your kindness will surely help out on our way to recovery."
Bishop Paul Lambert, who visited the Toler Elementary School and the neighborhoods that were heavily damaged said he is proud how the diocese stepped up to help out their neighbors.
"This is just one of many important ways for the Church to be the Church," Lambert said. "We are to be "in" to transform it by our service."