The massive destruction to the community of Hugo weighs heavy on my mind this morning.

We've had unimaginable typhoon and earthquake disasters half way around the world already this year. And we aren't far removed from Hurricane Katrina and for that matter 9-11.

But something stirs in me when something like this happens this close to home. I think it might have been the damage shown in the aerial pictures of Hugo in the aftermath of the storm. This neighborhood in the small picture below looks a lot like the one I live in. Or at least it used to. I sympathize with anyone who goes through a loss but I wish I could say I feel as much empathy for the victims of other disasters as I do this one. I should. I guess it's just easier for me to comprehend and visualize the loss and heartache when the story is that much closer to home. I guess that's what they mean when they say some disasters are unimaginable. 

It's too diffulcult to see in this photo, but it still amazes me that in the swath of a tornado a home ( and life) can be obliterated and a few feet away a tree, wagon, bicycle, or a life can remained untouched. Untouched in the physical form, at least.

My thoughts, prayers, and concern go out to all the victims of Sunday's storm. If you feel there is something you would like to do to help, below are a few avenues in which to do so.

DONATIONS

Hugo Relief Fund - Money donations are being accepted by U.S. Banks.  You can drop off donations at the Hugo Branch at 14431 Forest Boulevard North or any U.S. Bank.  For information you can call 651-429-7758.

Hugo Relief Fund - Money donations are being accepted at the Lake Area Bank located at 1400 East Highway 96, White Bear Lake, MN  55110, or call 651-653-9619.

All other donations are being accepted at the Hugo Fire Department located at 5323 140th Street North (one block west of Highway 61 on 140th Street.) 

Donations can be made to the American Red Cross.  Please call their hotline at 612-460-3700 or drop off donations at 1201 West River Parkway, Minneapolis.

 VOLUNTEERS

Volunteers are needed to clean up the site.  Volunteers should plan to meet at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 31, 2008.  The meeting site has not yet been determined.  Please check back later for more details.