Communities in parts of Tennessee and Kentucky are reeling from tornadoes that swept across parts of northern Tennessee and southern Kentucky over the weekend.

Despite Michiana’s distance from the storms, one local school corporation is helping families recover from the loss of homes, possessions and even loved ones.

From December 13 through 22, the Oregon-Davis School Corporation will collect donations at the corporation’s headquarters, located at 5990 N 750 E in Hamlet, and at the La Paz Diner, located at 2037 Michigan Road in Plymouth.

The corporation is accepting donations on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Central Standard Time.

La Paz Diner is accepting donations Tuesday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Standard Time and on Sunday and Monday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. EST.

The following items can be donated:

• Non-perishable food items
• Bottled water and drinks
• Clothing, blankets and bedding (new or gently used)
• Personal hygiene products
• Baby supplies (diapers, wipes, formula, etc.)
• Pet supplies (dry/ canned food, litter, etc.)
• Cleaning supplies (trash bags, bleach, soaps, etc.)
• Building supplies (plywood/osb, tarps, nails, screws, etc.)
• Flashlights and batteries
• First aid kits
• Christmas gifts for children
• Monetary donations for the purchase of supplies

Drive organizers plan to deliver the donations right after Christmas, on December 26 or 27.

If you'd like to donate online, the American Red Cross is currently accepting monetary donations. 

You can also donate directly to relief efforts in and around Davidson County, the area most impacted by the tornadoes, at the following links:

• United Way Greater Nashville (within Davidson County)
• Tennessee Emergency Response Fund (outside of Davidson County)