Disaster Distribution Center in Pekin serving hundreds of tornado victims

PEKIN, IN (WAVE ) - More than a week has passed since a deadly tornado tore through our area, forever changing many lives and still so many of you are stepping in to help.

As the cleanup effort continues in parts of hard hit Washington County, in Pekin, where an entire family died, you'll find a sign of hope at the United Methodist Church gym turned disaster distribution center.

"The outpouring of donations has just been overwhelming," said Melissa Burton, a 911 dispatcher with the Washington County Sheriff's office.

Walk inside and it's almost like a supermarket. An estimated nearly half-million donated items. Donations of food and toys. Car-seats and so much clothing most clothing items are no longer accepted.

"If I don't have it, I'm gonna get it for you," said Burton.

Even shopping carts are on loan to help tornado victims get what they need.

"I said I was proud of my community the other day then I stopped and I thought 'No, I'm proud of my country,'" said Burton. "Because we're getting donations from all over."

Items and volunteers are pouring in from across America. Sandi McCleery grew up in the area and came from Atlanta, Georgia. She has seen some of the damage.

"It just takes you and twists you right up inside just like that tornado did when you see all the damage that's done," said McCleery. "It's just heart wrenching."

McCleery and dozens of other volunteers have given countless hours to help.

"It is amazing. That makes your heart just want to explode thinking how wonderful it is. And that this community pulls together," said McCleery.

Unfortunately, some people have preyed upon kindness of others.

"We have experienced a couple instances here," said Burton. "People that lived in an area that was no where near affected by this storm came in and carted out things."

ID's are checked at the door to fix that. Burton said for any tornado victims in need, "We're gonna be here as long as we're needed here," said Burton.

That distribution center is located at the Pekin United Methodist Church at 244 South Shorts Corner Road in Pekin, Indiana. They are open daily. There is also a town hall meeting for Washington County tornado victims on Tuesday March 13 at 6 p.m. at East Washington High School, located at 1050 N. Eastern School Rd. in Pekin.

Copyright 2012 WAVE News. All rights reserved.