EDEN, N.Y. — Neighbors helped neighbors Saturday in Eden as part of a community effort, a little more than two weeks after a tornado left a path of destruction in the town.
Volunteers met this morning at Gorcica Field in the town. They boarded buses donated for the day by Eden Central Schools to travel to help homeowners still recovering from the July 10 tornado.
They helped clear trees and debris and dragged them to the curb so that highway crews can pick up what was left behind by the twister.
The help didn't just come from people who lived near the damage.
"Everyone knows everyone's names," said Eden Town Supervisor Rich Ventry. "It's kind of like 'Cheers.' But having the support from outside our town is what's happily surprising."
"What if it was us," said volunteer Bibi Bennett-Dabolt. "That's what came to our minds. If it was us, we would assume that the community would come forward for us. But we thought this is the best way to give back. This is what God intended for all of us, is to help each other, and be neighborly."
A fund has been created to help those victims cover repair cost. People can make donations by clicking here to give to The Eden Tornado Relief Fund. Cash donations will also be accepted at the Eden Town Clerk's Office at 2795 East Church Street.