KENT COUNTY, Del. - Two online fundraisers are seeking support after a tornado and severe storms caused damage in the Dover area on Aug. 20, including damage to a farm and a car used by a local first responder.
One GoFundMe, titled “Rebuild The Little Farm After The Storm,” is raising money to help a farm recover after the severe weather caused significant damage to the property.
According to the farm, all of the animals are safe, but several animal runs will need to be rebuilt. Pasture fencing was also damaged and will need repairs or replacement, said the fundraiser description.
Pasture fencing was also damaged and will need repairs or replacement, said the fundraiser description. (Little Farm)
Trees came down across the property, the grounds flooded and wood, metal, nails and other debris were scattered throughout areas used by the animals.
"We spent much of tonight picking up the pieces — literally. We lifted fallen walls off fences, cleared debris, checked on animals, and did everything we could in the dark to make things safe," said organizer Taylor Michaels.
A separate GoFundMe, titled “Support for EMT’s Car Loss After Dover Tornado,” is seeking help for an EMT and firefighter after a large tree fell directly onto his car during the storm.
According to the fundraiser organizer, the extent of the damage means the car is expected to be considered a total loss.
According to the fundraiser organizer, the extent of the damage means the car is expected to be considered a total loss. (Alexa Ciriano)
The EMT and firefighter is in his final semester of paramedic school and depends on the car to travel to work, school and clinical assignments, said Alexa Ciriano.
The storm came during an already busy week for the couple. According to the fundraiser, Ciriano had just begun her first week of law school, her boyfriend was starting his final semester of paramedic school and the couple had moved into a new home during the same week.
"This was an incredibly unexpected way to start what should have been an exciting week, but we're grateful that no one was hurt," said Ciriano. "Any help getting him safely back on the road and allowing him to continue serving the community would mean more than we can say."
