Kenly raceway to help tornado victims

Kenly, N.C. — The Southern National Raceway in Kenly is asking racegoers to help out their tornado-hit community during Thanksgiving weekend races.

Tornadoes hit five counties early Nov. 15 and killed Marylin Gomez, 61, of Scott Road in Kenly, and Joshua Wiggins, 11, of London Church Road in Elm City. The twisters damaged or destroyed 59 homes and six businesses.

Racegoers were asked to bring canned food during the annual Thanksgiving Classic at the Southern National Raceway. People will also be able to make monetary donations.

Silent auctions to benefit the tornado victims will also be held Saturday and Sunday. Items donated by NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin will be up for grabs.

Donations for tornado-victim relief can also be sent to:

American Red Cross
801 S. Third St.
Smithfield, N.C. 27577

Checks should include "Wilson-Johnston tornado" in the memo line to make sure the donation goes directly to the cause.