June 19, 2009 - Steve Clark of Austin, Minn. was in his garage when a tornado ripped through his neighborhood Thursday night. The walls came crashing down as he hid under a large welding tool and held on for dear life.   

“I saw my dog get sucked out and carried up and over the trees,” said Clark, a city equipment operator. “I was freaking out.”

Miraculously, Clark escaped with minor injuries, and his dog is fine. So is his family, who took shelter in their basement.

Clark is one of more than 2,000 people The Salvation Army has assisted after the tornado, which blew winds of up to 135 mph and left a 10-mile track Northwest of Austin. Peripheral winds uprooted trees and scattered debris across the city, making car travel almost impossible on neighborhood streets. Most of the city was without power until Friday. 

A half-hour after the disaster struck, the Austin Salvation Army deployed a mobile service unit (canteen) to serve food and hydration to community members cleaning their yards and clearing streets in the darkness. Savory Skillet restaurant made sandwiches by candlelight for The Salvation Army to distribute all night long.

By morning, additional canteens arrived from Albert Lea and Mankato, and 25 Salvation Army volunteers reported for duty.

Their task of serving lunch and dinner was made easier by Piggy Blues restaurant, which donated mountains of pulled pork that volunteers used to make and distribute sandwiches.

“It is wonderful that these local restaurants joined in our mission to serve,” said Major Marlys Anderson, leader of the Austin Salvation Army. “Their contributions saved us time and resources that we are using to better serve this community.”

The Salvation Army is expecting to continue service through next week.

“The Salvation Army showed us a lot of support,” said Clark, who Salvation Army volunteers gave food, drink and gauze for his injured hand. “We really appreciate them. They were here for us and we won’t forget it.”

The Salvation Army’s tornado response is expected to cost $10,000. Donations designated “Austin Tornado Relief” will be used exclusively for the disaster. To make a financial contribution, click below or send a check to The Salvation Army, 2445 Prior Ave. N., Roseville, MN 55113.