Efforts are currently underway by the Monmouth College coaching staff to aid victims of the tornado that struck Washington, Ill., Sunday.

Women's tennis coach Brian Jordan is spearheading the effort to collect non-clothing items for the victims. Jordan says initial reports indicate clothing donations are beginning to come in for the tornado victims, shifting the Fighting Scots attention to those "less obvious" needs.

"We're trying to focus on items that the general population wouldn't think of," said Jordan. "Items such as sunscreen, first aid supplies, pet food. They could also use personal hygiene supplies, trash bags, storage bins and dust masks. You name it, they need it."

Donations may be dropped off at the Monmouth College athletic offices at the Huff Athletic Center through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jordan – who has a special connection with the area – is planning on delivering the supplies Friday.

"Working in the Peoria area for the last few years, as well as growing up in Peoria, I have met and become friends with several coaches and residents of Washington," said Jordan. "Sunday after the storms, I texted the girls' basketball coach at Washington who I worked with at Limestone last year. She told me that she was all right and that she had heard from most of her players, but that 'many players' houses are leveled.' We have quite a large number of students from the areas affected by the tornadoes. Our student-athletes become like family to us as coaches. We just want to help our extended family in their time of need."