Marydel residents raise money for tornado victims

Marydel Fire Chief Buffy Madden is leading efforts to raise funds for a couple who were displaced after a tornado destroyed their home last week.

Falling trees and branches damaged 17 homes after the storm ripped through a section of Camden-Wyoming in Kent County on May 22. Among the damaged houses was the home of Robert Dolga and Barbara Smith-Morlock, which suffered a direct hit.

“It was actually picked up, turned around, toppled over and thrown out in a big pile,” Madden said.

Dolga was inside the home when the tornado hit, while Morlock took cover in a shed with their animals. Dolga was injured and remains in the hospital; Morlock is staying at a hotel.

“The man and the woman have nothing, no clothes to wear,” Madden said. “We’re trying to concentrate on them, to secure them a place to live.”

As the couple’s limited insurance will only pay for an apartment for 60 days, the tight-knit community is coming together to provide support.

“We’re a small community,” Madden said. “One day we might be fighting with our neighbors and the next day we’re doing everything we can to help them out.”

Madden has set up a relief fund through the Marydel Fire Company with a goal of $10,000. They have raised approximately $2,800 so far.

“We’re putting that money away and were trying to secure them a house or a trailer,” Madden said.

Donations can be mailed to the Marydel Fire Company C/O Tornado Relief Fund P.O. Box 400 Marydel, Delaware 19964. They can also be made online.