VanderBeek sports message for Oklahoma tornado victims

NEW SHARON, Iowa -- Zack VanderBeek and his 33z Racing team will be sporting some words of wisdom this weekend when the USMTS Modifieds travel through Northern Iowa and Southern Minnesota this Memorial Day Weekend.

Forty9 Designs has whipped up some new signage for the sail panels on the #33z Casey's General Stores Hughes Racing Chassis, replacing his own graphic with a call to action for support of the victims of this week's tornadoes in Oklahoma.

"Imagine having everything you own except the clothes on your back ran through a wood chipper and spread all over town. Imagine losing a parent, child or sibling," said VanderBeek via his Facebook page yesterday. "We frequently pass through Joplin, Mo., and are reminded of how long it really takes to recover."

The Joplin tornado was a catastrophic EF5 multiple-vortex tornado that struck the town of about 50,000 late in the afternoon of Sunday, May 22, 2011. The storm killed 161 people and destroyed about 7,500 homes and 550 businesses.

Monday afternoon's catastrophic tornado in Moore, Okla., was also rated an EF5, killing at least 24 people, including nine children, and injuring more than 240 others.

The American Red Cross is working around the clock to help people in Oklahoma with shelters, food, water and supplies, and more workers, supplies and equipment are moving into the area today.

“Our thoughts and sympathy are with all those impacted by these horrific tornadoes,” said Trevor Riggen, vice president of Disaster Operations and Logistics for the Red Cross. “Specialized Red Cross disaster teams are helping now and will be helping for weeks to come as people in Oklahoma recover from these storms.”

The Red Cross deployed almost 30 emergency response vehicles to distribute food and relief supplies and more are on alert. Two Southern Baptist Convention kitchens and kitchen support trailers will join the relief effort with the ability to serve tens of thousands of meals a day.

Emergency aid stations will open where people can get food and snacks, mental health and health services and information about what help is available. The Red Cross is supporting first responders and working with local and state officials to make sure people get the help they need. Meanwhile, the Red Cross continues to provide shelter in Shawnee and other parts of the Oklahoma City area following storms over the weekend.

HOW TO HELP: Those who would like to help people affected by disasters like tornadoes, floods and other crises can make a donation to American Red Cross Disaster Relief. People can donate by visiting www.redcross.org, calling toll-free 800-RED CROSS or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. These donations help provide food, shelter and emotional support to those affected by disasters.