Woman who survived 1974 Xenia tornado now flying toys, supplies to Kentucky tornado victims

XENIA TWP. — A Greene County woman and local business owner who lived through the 1974 Xenia tornado that leveled much of the town is using her business to help the victims of last week’s tornado outbreak.

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Kelly West, of Xenia Twp. and owner of Skydive Greene County told News Center 7′s John Bedell even though she was just a child at the time of the 1974 tornado she has strong memories of the powerful storm.

“I was a child at the time. But it was such a big deal to us, it was, it left some harsh memories,” West said.

The tornado missed her home in Xenia Twp., but she watched the storm go through Xenia and turn to Wilberforce.

“We were definitely around in the city to help with the aftermath and the cleanup,” she said.

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When the severe weather outbreak hit portions of the south and Midwest last week, West said she wanted to help families who lost so much close to Christmas.

“It was kind of a call to action to reach out and help. And thinking of those children who had absolutely nothing left for Christmas is heartbreaking for us. We feel like we need to play Santa Claus for them,” West said.

“So that’s our focus right now is collecting some pet food and animal items and the rest of the money is going towards toys for kids so we can play Santa Claus.”

West flew one delivery down to Kentucky Wednesday and she’s hoping to make at least one more flight down, weather permitting.

West and Skydive Greene County are still accepting donations for their next flight to Kentucky. Information on how to help can be found on the Skydive Greene County Facebook page.

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