Families are still trying to pick up the pieces after a devastating tornado claimed four lives and leveled homes in Smithfield over a year ago. Local contractor Derrick Baker is now looking for volunteers to help rebuild.

Baker was called to give a roof quote. "When I got to the address the hair on my neck stood up and a lump in my throat grew. I realized I was being asked to rebuild the site where the tornado touched down."

A few minutes of talking with him and seeing his tears as he talked about losing his daughter and granddaughter was enough to know I didn’t need his money

Baker says after taking with Don Degroat, who lost his daughter and granddaughter in the twister, he came up with the idea for a 'barn raising. "He needed some things and didn't really have a lot of money. After a few minutes of talking with him and seeing his tears as he talked about losing his daughter and granddaughter was enough to know I didn't need his money," says Baker.

Baker went to Facebook to ask for help and it started pouring in. "I have hundreds of new friends and messages. My phone's been ringing for two days straight and I'm so excited there are so many great people in the community willing to help others."

A meeting is planned for Wednesday, September 9th at Rays Brothers BBQ in Bouckville to discuss the plan "I'm just a contractor, not an event planner so anyone who has organizational skills and is willing to help would be appreciated," says Baker.

A 'Rebuilding after the Smithfield Tornado' Facebook page has been created to get more details on the community 'barn raising.'

The EF2 tornado with wind speeds of 100-125 mph, touched down in Smithfield last year, killing 35-year-old Kimberly M. Hillard, her 4-month-old daughter Paris Newman, 70-year-old Virginia Warner and 53-year-old Arnie D. Allen.

The entire community came out for a benefit held last summer for the 13 families affected and Baker is hoping for the same turnout this time.

Anyone interested in helping can contact Derrick Baker by calling 315-751-8843, or sending him a message on Facebook.


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