ARNOLD, Mo. – Destruction slammed Jefferson County this past Friday night, leaving behind wreckage for many. 

Now, the city of Arnold is stepping up to assist their residents after the traumatic storms ripped through the community.

Homes were unlivable, roofs were ripped clean off and giant trees snapped like toothpicks, leaving some residents unhoused for the next few weeks to a year.

The city’s Emergency Operations Centers are open all week to support survivors, with staff available from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.  

The police department is hosting a center for citizens to seek relief; donations are also being collected at Encounter Church.

“Nobody ever thinks they’re going to go through something like this,” said Children’s Director Ashley Dann with Encounter Church. 

Churches all around Arnold jumped at the opportunity to serve those in need, some even being victims of the storm as well.

 “When people serveothers, they get past themselves, right? And especially when it’s time of trouble,” said Encounter’s Senior Pastor Ed Callahan.

Hope Community Church hosted donation drives, despite Callahan’s own home being flooded.

“We weren’t able to have service here on Sunday,” said Kelley Mcguire, wife of Callahan. “Someone in the churchsaid, ‘Why don’t we use the parking lot as a donation center?’ And so that’s what we did. It’s just spilled over; we’re on day three now, and it’s been pretty amazing.”

With the storm and tornado impacting many communities, trash bags, nonperishable foods, toiletries and baby items are in high demand.