IAM Responds to Oklahoma Tornado Tragedy

Lea Bessinger and her son Josh Bessinger look through the rubble of her tornado-ravaged home Tuesday in Moore, OK. A huge tornado roared through the Oklahoma City suburb Monday, flattening entire neighborhoods and destroying an elementary school with a direct blow as children and teachers huddled against winds. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

The IAM is sending thoughts, prayers and support to the victims of a massive tornado that tore through an Oklahoma City suburb Monday afternoon, turning entire neighborhoods into rubble and destroying two elementary schools and a hospital. Officials say at least 24 people lost their lives in the storm, which left a path of destruction a mile wide and 20 miles long in Moore, OK.

IAM representatives are currently meeting with members of Local Lodge 850 in Oklahoma City to see what assistance they need. Members personally affected by the tragedy are encouraged to call the IAM Employee Assistance Program at 1-800-587-6295 for immediate counseling to anyone who needs help dealing with the aftermath of these violent storms.

The IAM Community Services Department is accepting tax-deductible donations to help with the relief effort. Checks should be made out to ‘I Am Assistance’ and include the address and email address of the sender. Send all donations to IAM Headquarters at 9000 Machinists Place, Upper Marlboro, MD, 20772

Members are also encouraged to donate to the Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund by visiting redcross.org, dialing 1-800-REDCROSS or texting REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

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