EDMOND — Billy and Angie Fuller said they patronize Edmond’s Jason’s Deli once in a while.

Wednesday the Edmond residents were back with their son Ben, 4, and their baby Adleigh. They came after 4 p.m., meaning that a portion of their tab will benefit the American Red Cross of Central Oklahoma, which is aiding victims of Monday’s statewide tornado outbreak.

“I think it’s great that a local company is going to help out,” Billy Fuller said. “I think that’s the way it should be done. I think more companies should do that.”

Angie Fuller agreed, and said the benefit night enhances her feelings about Jason’s Deli.

Sunil Shrestha, general manager of the Jason’s Deli at 78 S.E. 33rd St., said his staff was excited about helping out.

“It feels like we’re part of the community,” he said.

Ten percent of Wednesday’s dine-in sales from 4-10 p.m. from the Edmond, Norman and Oklahoma City Jason’s Deli locations will go to support disaster relief in Oklahoma, said Lennon Patton, a local company spokesman.

Patton said the benefit night will happen due to company support and Internet social networking.

“It feels really good, makes me feel good about my job,” Patton said.

Elsewhere, the Oklahoma Donation Tweet-up will be from 5-8 p.m. today at a warehouse at 25 N.W. Ninth St. (formerly Mel’s Towing,) near downtown Oklahoma City. Lori Ford, of Edmond, said donations may be brought to the Tweet-up or dropped off at any metro-area Oklahoma Employee Credit Union branch.

The free event, organized by Carrie Corbin, will include food and door prizes, such as a loose cut diamond donated by Gordon’s Jewelers, Ford said. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed to help sort items and clothes and move furniture. Financial and product donations for victims are requested.

Ford said Edmond residents Scott Bell, Ryan Hukill, Eric Urbach, Greg Welchel, Brad Stone, Jan Anderson and Richard Queen, who became acquainted through Twitter, also are assisting with the effort.

“The Oklahoma social media community is known for a true supportive spirit,” Ford said.

The Oklahoma City warehouse, owned by Steve Mason, will serve as a donation and storage facility for the next two weeks, Ford said. Warehouse hours will be 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, noon to 8 p.m.. Sunday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. May 17-20 and noon to 5 p.m. May 21-22.

Ford said an insurance claim number will be required proof of identity for May 10 tornado victims. More information about the Tweet-up is available at

okdonationtweetup.

eventbrite.com/.

Organizations like the Red Cross and Salvation Army also are responding to Oklahomans in need.

Kyle Campbell, spokeswoman for the American Red Cross of Central Oklahoma, which serves communities including Edmond, said the biggest need at the moment is financial donations to support relief efforts.

Campbell said Oklahomans may donate by mailing a check or money order to: American Red Cross of Central Oklahoma, Dept. #96 – 0397, Oklahoma City, OK 73196-0397, online at

okc.redcross.org or by texting REDCROSS to 9-0-9-9-9 to make a $10 gift to the Disaster Relief Fund. Residents also can go to www.redcross.org or call 800-RED CROSS.

Campbell said 91 cents out of every dollar will go to Red Cross service delivery.

Gov. Brad Henry has declared a state of emergency for 56 counties, including Oklahoma County, hit hard by the tornadoes and other severe weather. High winds and hail up to the size of softballs — 4.25 inches in diameter — was reported in several locations.

The possible tornado damage paths being verified by the National Weather Service are spread over a north-south area of more than 200 miles from near the Kansas-Oklahoma border to near the Red River.



marks@edmondsun.com | 341-2121, ext. 108