Severe weather swept through the Southern U.S. on March 14, 2025, confirming the presence of tornadoes in Baxter County, Arkansas, while prompting substantial relief efforts in the aftermath across southwest Missouri.
The National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed an EF-1 tornado struck near Gamaliel, Arkansas, at approximately 8:34 p.m. that night. The tornado, packing wind speeds of 100 miles per hour, carved a path that lasted around six minutes and stretched approximately 4.8 miles, bringing heavy damage to the region before dissipating near Bakersfield, Missouri. Tragically, less than an hour later, another storm led to the formation of an EF-3 tornado that claimed three lives in Bakersfield.
In light of the devastation caused by these powerful storms, local organizations sprang into action. Ozarks Food Harvest, a key food bank in the region, quickly mobilized to support its network of partner charities impacted by the weather. The organization is actively working to provide food and resources to those affected by the storm in communities throughout southwest Missouri.
Jordan Browning, director of communications for Ozarks Food Harvest, emphasized the organization's commitment to assisting those in need. "We’re reaching out to our agencies to see how we can best help them with food, supplies or whatever they need," Browning stated, highlighting the efforts of local agencies that serve families experiencing hunger.
The Food Bank has already made strides by assisting the Oregon County Food Pantry in Thayer, Missouri, in securing a generator following power outages that left many without electricity. Browning added, "Every dollar donated will help provide $10 worth of groceries to families who need food now," underlining the dire need for contributions in the wake of the storms.
Additional relief efforts are set to continue, as Ozarks Food Harvest plans ongoing weekly communication with its network partners to assess needs and provide necessary supplies. The organization encourages anyone interested in helping to visit their website, where they can donate funds or apply to volunteer. "Those interested in volunteering can apply and schedule sessions online. All volunteer sessions must be pre-scheduled, and closed-toe shoes are required," Dillon Smith, the volunteer recruitment coordinator, advised. For inquiries about the volunteer program, Smith can be reached directly.
The impact of the tornadoes has stirred countless acts of kindness within communities, galvanizing support for the most vulnerable. As local agencies rise to meet the challenge, the citizens of Missouri can lend a hand to help their neighbors rebuild their lives after these violent storms.
