The view from the driveway of my childhood friend Karla Jones Schilling's home.  A two-story home there is now gone.

The view from the driveway of my childhood friend, Karla Jones Schilling. A two-story brick home formerly stood there.

If you’d like to aid victims of the Christmas tornado in Garland, here’s an easy way to help.

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Garland ISD officials tell Merriman Park Elementary Principal Katie Kirkpatrick they had more than 1,000 students displaced by the storm. MPE volunteers will be collecting hygiene items – deodorant, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner – and backpacks for the kids. They’ve set up tubs in the school’s entry foyer, so your drop off will be simple and quick.

MPE is located at 7101 Winedale, near Walnut Hill and Abrams. Volunteers will make one run to Garland Tuesday, January 5 with the first load to meet immediate needs, and a second run at the end of the week.