GOSHEN, Ohio — The National Weather Service confirmed on Thursday that an EF2 tornado hit Goshen in Clermont County when dangerous storms swept across the Tri-State on Wednesday. To help those impacted by the tornado, local organizations have already begun gearing up, accepting donations from anyone looking to help.
Thousands of people remain without power and 150-200 buildings containing homes and businesses were damaged or destroyed. Officials announced on Thursday the area will likely remain without power for days.
The American Red Cross has set up a shelter at Goshen High School; You can donate to their efforts here. At the shelter, the Red Cross is supplying food, water and shelter for those affected. Oxygen tanks will also be available for residents without power who need access.
Cozaddale Baptist Temple and First Baptist are helping to feed anyone in need. The churches will provide sack lunches and more from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. Thursday at Goshen Grind on Dick Flynn Blvd.
2 churches, Cozaddale Baptist Temple & First Baptist Goshen are helping feed ANYONE who needs it. Sack lunches and more available at Goshen Grind. Free ice cream truck will be here from 2-3pm @WCPO @CFranciscoWCPO pic.twitter.com/sO9xU6QAb2
— ADRIAN WHITSETT (@AdrianWhitsett) July 7, 2022
Goshen United Methodist on Goshen Rd. holds a weekly food pantry and thanks to access to generators, the food was saved despite power outages. The church plans to open the pantry Friday from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. and they said they plan to do more to serve families in the week ahead.
Across the Tri-State, communities are already coming together to gather donations and provide outreach for victims of the tornado.
On Friday, community members can drop off donations for the Goshen community at Anderson High School, at the Forest Road entrance, from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m.
The Goshen community is in need after tonight’s severe weather.
Members of our community have reached out that they will be collecting nonperishable food items and water at the Forest Road entrance at AHS from 9-12 on Friday. Please consider a donation.
— Anderson High School (@AndersonRaptors) July 7, 2022
A makeshift donation site has also begun to spring up outside of Goshen High School where victims are sheltering.
Steve Pegram, Goshen Township administrator, said during a press conference on Thursday that people who don't have a reason to travel to Goshen should stay away, even if they're only hoping to help.
"We don't need any help," said Pegram. "Don't need anyone self-dispatching. Nobody coming out with chainsaws. We're coordinating that response right now. We have plenty of units in staging as you can see behind us that don't have an emergency to respond to. We need people to stop coming to take control or offer assistance."
We will continue to update this story as we learn of more ways to donate in support of the Goshen community.
