Benefit Held For E. Coli Victims

By Dan Bewley, The News On 6

LOCUST GROVE, OK -- The town of Locust Grove continues to recover from an outbreak of E. coli.  Saturday night was the first of many planned fundraisers to help the more than 300 victims.

By the numbers, 314 people, including 65 children, came down with E. coli.  The Country Cottage Restaurant, pinpointed by the Oklahoma Department of Health as the source of the infections, remains closed.

On Saturday, the thoughts centered on the victims and how others could help them get back to a normal life.

Residents gathered at Locust Grove Elementary to extend a helping hand for the hundreds sickened by E. coli.

"Locust Grove is a very supportive community," said Becky Morton, whose daughter is still recovering.

 "I'm getting better.  Pretty good," said Lexy Morton.

"It's been a tough road, but we are progressing.  But, we're getting there.  She still has to go to the doctor twice a week," said Becky Morton.

Two-and-a-half year old Kaden is another victim.  Wade Parker is his father.

"It was overwhelming to be off work like everybody was and the hospital bills. Then, all the stuff that comes along with that, being away from home.  So, it's a nice gesture that the community is doing this for us," said Wade Parker.

Many of the victims are struggling to pay the medical bills.  Organizers are hoping Saturday's chili dinner and raffle will be the first of many fundraisers to offer aid.

"I think the most important thing to everybody right now is to just, just helping the families out and just getting them back on their feet and getting them feeling good and going from there," said Carol Fleming of Locust Grove.

The health department is still searching for the exact cause, but says the Country Cottage is the only restaurant under investigation.  The popular Mayes County restaurant is still closed, but a member of the family who owns it says if it does re-open; it will not have a buffet.

Residents say Saturday's fellowship is one more step to help heal the community.

"It's just a great feeling to know that you've got the support of the community and that they are coming out and helping all the families," said Becky Morton.

More fundraisers are planned for next weekend.

Also, a recovery fund has been established to help the victims.  Donations to that can be made by contacting the Bank of Locust Grove.  The bank is located at 124 E. Main Street, Locust Grove, OK  74352.  The phone number for the bank is 918-479-5225

Related Story:

09/16/2008  OSDH: E. Coli Outbreak Is Now Over