ROGERS, Ark. — The home of the Rogers Mounties has become a safe haven offering food, shelter, electricity, and stability after multiple tornados swept across the area in the early morning of Sunday, May 26, killing one, injuring others, cutting power, and damaging countless homes.
A post by the Rogers Police Department (RPD) points out multiple resources offered at Rogers High School:
- Free meals for breakfast and lunch
- Shelter, including makeshift beds with pillows and blankets
- Running showers
- Electricity for charging devices
RHS, located at 2300 S Dixieland Rd, is also open as a donation hub, where people can bring blankets, water, food, and anything they can spare.
The RPD notes that "if you want to volunteer, this is the place to be."
RHS Principal Lisa Williams said in the post "The community does so much for us and gives us support we are glad to be able to help out.”
Rogers Public Schools Superintendant Jeff Perry noted the importance of giving residents access to the internet so they can stay in touch with loved ones and confirmed "We provided close to 400 meals for breakfast this morning, on a 12-hour notice."
The Rogers school district canceled classes for the remainder of the semester, and Perry said they're using leftover school meals to feed the community.
Under the LEARNS Act, schools are required to have a certain number of in-person school days, but Perry said they are working with Education Secretary Jacob Oliva to get an emergency waiver to allow the school year to end.
"He said he would work with us to expedite the emergency waiver through the State Board of Education. I don't think we're going to make up those days," said Perry.
Rogers residents without power said they are grateful to have these resources during hard times.
For further information about what you can do to help, or gain access to support, click this link.
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