Washington Evening Journal (Iowa)
By Zach Jensen

The number of Parkersburg homes destroyed by a twister Sunday afternoon totals 222. Twenty-one businesses were destroyed, and more than 400 homes were damaged. Among the buildings destroyed were city hall, the high school and the town's sole grocery store and gas station - leaving the small northeast Iowa community seemingly without hope.

When members of the American Legion Riders and local Post 29 learned of Butler County's tragedy, they felt they needed to help Parkersburg any way they could, but how they helped may be above and beyond the call of duty.

Washington Legion Rider Ron Northup spearheaded the project, which resulted in a semi being parked at Washington's Hy-Vee from 6 p.m., Tuesday, to noon Wednesday in an effort to fill the truck through local donations in aid to the Parkersburg residents and victims.

"We all got together last night and called every club in town, every church in town and anybody we thought would help us, and this is what it became," said Northup Wednesday morning from outside the truck. "From our experiences in '98, it was a terrible experience, and it was the best experience I've had in my entire life. People came out and helped each other, and we're just trying to return the favor, and the people of Washington have been wonderful."

President George W. Bush declared Parkersburg, Tuesday, as a major disaster area, according to a report from the White House Press Secretary - making federal funding available to residents affected by the storms. But, the many homeless, injured and otherwise displaced residents in Parkersburg need food and supplies immediately.

"If it's sold at Hy-Vee, Wal-Mart, Pamida or Fareway, it's in here," said Northup, pointing inside the semi trailer. "Canned goods, ketchup, mustard, pickles, relish, hamburgers, baked goods, clothes, Culligan water, mouthwash, toothpaste, shaving cream, razors - if people need it, it's going in this truck."