(Photo submitted) This scene between Dunkerton and Fairbank is only a glimpse of the devastation left behind by a tornado that passed through eastern Iowa on May 25. The Clay County Chapter of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans is trying to help residents in and around Parkersburg, where some of the most extensive damage took place.

The Clay County Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Chapter is challenging the communities and the congregations of Clay County to help those with lost homes and property near the tornado-ravaged vicinity of Parkersburg.

Thrivent will leverage any community donations with supplemental funding. All funds raised will stay in Iowa to be used by Lutheran Disaster Relief to help the families who are still trying to piece their lives back together after the storm.

When the tornado first touched down, near Parkersburg, it was a historically strong "EF5" on the scale used to classify the power of a tornado. Peak winds of 205 mph were recorded by the National Weather Service. Since 1950, only five tornados in Iowa have reached the strength matched by the May 25 storm.

The tornado made its 43-mile trek east from the Aplington area to a rural location near Fairbank. Gov. Chet Culver said 350 homes were destroyed, another 100 received major damage. Seven lives were lost, in the cities of Parkersburg and New Hartford.

Clay County Chapter President Tim Kehoe said the idea for a community challenge found a foothold with Thrivent's Board of Regents for the Greater Iowa Region. The board meets in Johnston and serves large portions of Iowa.

"It's just members helping members and individuals helping others," Kehoe said. "That's what Thrivent is all about -- helping those in need."

Funds gathered may be sent to Clay County Thrivent Financial at P.O. Box 953, Spencer, Iowa 51301. Please make checks payable to Clay County Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.

The organization would like to have funds gathered by Aug. 15.

* Anyone with questions may contact Kehoe at (712) 262-2336.