RV Industry Lends Helping Hand to Employees With Tornado Damage

by Ed Ernstes (ernstes@wsbt.com)

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RV Industry Lends Helping Hand to Employees With Tornado Damage

Gulf Stream RV and its workers have started a collection to help fellow employees whose homes were damaged by the Oct. 18 tornado, and Goshen-based Lippert Components donated $10,000 in gift cards. (WSBT photos)

By Beth Boehne

Story Created: Nov 2, 2007 at 5:25 PM EST

Story Updated: Nov 14, 2007 at 12:27 PM EST

(WSBT) Governor Mitch Daniels has asked for federal assistance following the tornado that ripped through Nappanee last month.

The homes of a number of employees at Gulf Stream RV in Nappanee were heavily damaged by the tornado on October 18.

Some of those workers are receiving help from the RV industry itself, to get life back to normal.

In one case, they've received gift cards provided by Goshen-based Lippert Components. The RV supplier donated $10,000 in such gift cards.

“This is a close-knit industry,” said Rob Konopinski of Lippert Components. “People know each other well and are willing to lend a helping hand when there is a disaster of this nature."

Gulf Stream, as well as its employees, is raising money to help the workers, as well as others hit by the tornado.

“Within our company, without the instigation of management, individuals took it upon themselves to promote a fund-raising campaign to provide relief for the people who suffer,” explained Rick Jones of Gulf Stream RV.

The employees with tornado damage who received the gift cards, as well as help from Gulf Stream, say they greatly appreciate anything that can help them get their lives back on track.

“Oh yes definitely, this will help out a lot,” said Lisa Belmont. “We lost a lot of groceries with the power being out, and they care."

“Yeah it’s good that Lippert helped out and, it’s great,” said Chester Mast, whose home was hit by the tornado. “Every little bit helps out."

"I mean the company's generosity has just been outstanding, helping out and doing what ever they can for us,” said Diane Hartwell, whose home was also hit.

Some homes belonging to Gulf Stream workers received major damage; others were destroyed.

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