Middle School Offers Haven After Dexter Tornado

Thea Givens, 15, walked back and forth across the cafeteria, arms full with food and provisions. Givens, a Saline resident, has been at the school since 9 a.m. and has worked tirelessly ensuring food and water is available to all those who come to the shelter.

"I've never seen anything like this," the teen said of the damage after a tornado hit the community Thursday evening."I really wanted to come here and volunteer my services, to do what I can to help."

There haven't been any residents opting to stay at the shelter, but several have come through to take a breather, get some food and gather themselves before heading out to start the clean up process. Most residents have made do near their homes, staying in cars or with friends according to the Red Cross.

While more than 100 homes have been damaged, there have been no reported fatalities as a result of the natural disaster.

Givens' mother, Hilary Connors, is a long-term substitute teacher at Mill Creek and said she wasn't surprised her daughter wanted to help, "She wants to join the Peace Corps when she's older and we thought this would be a great way to help."

Connors has been at the shelter taking contact information for people who have been streaming in all day to offer their services and help. While the Red Cross can't take anymore volunteers at this time, Connors hopes the list she's complied will be of use for her fellow teachers when school gets back in session.

"I think it's important to be organized and have contacts so that when are kids come back to school we can help them and their families if they need it."

Mill Creek Middle School is located at 7305 Dexter Ann Arbor Rd., 48130 and is open to anyone in need of food, water, health services, comforts kits (shampoo, deodorant) and cleaning kits.