Images: Jeffrey Sauger GM News

The tornadoes that recently ripped through Oklahoma were devastating. Not only were families displaced and communities destroyed, a number of people tragically lost their lives. But while those affected by the storm have a long recovery ahead of them, General Motors employees have stepped up all across the country to help ease the struggles that have come with being the victims of such a tragic natural disaster. And as GM News points out, we’re talking about much more than monetary donations.

GM plant employees all across the United States aren’t just standing by while the folks affected by the Oklahoma tornadoes struggle to piece their lives back together. Instead, they’re raising money, providing necessities and physically helping in the relief efforts for the tornado-stricken communities.

In the last couple weeks, GM employees have donated approximately $28,500 for the Oklahoma relief efforts, which will go to the Detroit-based “Help 4 Oklahoma” campaign.

Headed by Forgotten Harvest, the campaign is a partnership between the organization, the General Motors Foundation, Chevrolet and many other local companies. The GM Foundation has donated $50,000 to the campaign while Chevrolet just recently donated a 2013 Silverado to help in the cleanup and restoration processes.

“It’s important for us to be there to help our neighbors who are hurting and our support of the ‘Help 4 Oklahoma’ campaign is a great way to make a difference,” said Lori Wingerter, vice president, GM Foundation in the recent GM News release. “Through donations and key partnerships with organizations like Forgotten Harvest, we’re able to step up and help provide immediate relief when disaster strikes.”

While many GM employees, retirees, dealers, contract workers and suppliers have chipped in money to the Help 4 Oklahoma campaign, other GM employees found their own ways to support the relief efforts. GM employees in Spring Hill, Tennessee partnered with the community to donate over $12,000 in gift cards and three semi-trailers full of everyday supplies. Other GM employees have made plans to travel to Oklahoma to aid in the cleanup and rebuilding of communities.