St. Louis County Library is partnering with Delmar DivINe, St. Louis Area Diaper Bank, Operation Food Search and Missouri Baptist Disaster Relief to provide drive-thru tornado relief services including emergency diapers, period supplies and food. The event will take place on Thursday, May 22 starting at 11:00 a.m. while supplies last, walk-ups are welcome. Distribution will take place at Delmar DivINe, located at 5501 Delmar Blvd.
“Access to nutritious food is always critical, but it becomes even more urgent in the aftermath of a disaster,” said Kristen Wild, President and CEO of Operation Food Search. “We’re proud to stand with our partners to ensure that families impacted by the tornado receive food and other essential items during this time of rebuilding.”
Cars will be directed to enter at the corner of Delmar and Belt. Families can pick up a supply of 25 diapers, 25 period supplies, a bag of shelf-stable food, and a hot meal.
“After a tornado, the smallest necessities often make the biggest difference,” said Muriel Smith, St. Louis Area Diaper Bank Executive Director. “We’re happy to do our part and provide families with essential items, like diapers and period supplies, to help them take the first steps toward recovery.”
The MetroMarket mobile farmer’s market will have fresh produce available free of charge at the People’s Health Center, 5701 Delmar Blvd, from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
“Our community has suffered tremendous losses as a result of the tornado, but the Delmar DivINe and partners stand firmly committed to ensuring impacted households are resourced as we rebuild together,” said Dr. Yusef Scoggin, Delmar DivINe Executive Director. “This is a critical moment in which collaborative efforts are fundamental to meeting the needs required to transform severe hardship into a stronger future.”
St. Louis County Library will be accepting tornado relief donations at all 20 branches from Thursday, May 22 – Wednesday, May 28. The most needed items include tarps, duct tape, child sized and adult masks, batteries (AA, C or D), flashlights with batteries, camping lanterns (solar and battery-powered), battery packs or rechargeable battery packs, phone charging blocks and work gloves. Donations will be distributed by the BRIC at Fountain Park.
“The tornadoes that hit St. Louis on May 16, 2025 cut through the heart of our city’s most precious resources including the Wash U campus, Forest Park, and historic neighborhoods throughout North St. Louis like Fountain Park, The Ville, and O’Fallon, destroying homes, vehicles, electricity and communications infrastructure,” said Dr. LJ Punch, BRIC Visionary and Medical Director. “Despite this devastation, The BRIC and The T have been galvanized along with the community, which has been radically responsive, to provide immediate support including food, supplies, and most importantly, a compassionate listening ear and healing presence. We are ready to work as a collaborative force with the entire community to #MendSTL.”
Information about Library resources such as social workers, wi-fi hotspots and other services will also be available.
“This collaboration at the Delmar DivINe brings together several amazing organizations who are meeting people where they are with the resources they need during this difficult time,” said Kristen Sorth, St. Louis County Library Director & CEO. “In addition, our Library branches are serving as places of respite and offering digital resources, social workers and caring employees while also making it easy for the generous people of the region to donate needed supplies.”
St. Louis County Library offers a variety of community resources that may benefit those impacted by the recent storms, including free wi-fi, public computers, charging stations, social workers, meals from Operation Food Search and other services.
For more information, visit www.stlcl.org.