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Locals use Facebook to organize tornado cleanup

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Total strangers are coming together to help those devastated by the powerful tornado in Cape Coral using the power of Facebook.

Two Cape Coral women have organized a major storm clean up, and local businesses are lending a hand providing supplies, and food, clothing, and linen donations for those in need.

"It makes you feel good that the community comes together to help out. I really like that," Cape Coral resident Sisto Volpe said. "And they're doing it for free just volunteering. Isn't that wonderful?" he continued.

His home faced outside damage, but the inside was spared.

Volpe's house wasn't this self-proclaimed clean up crew's first; they also helped the Casales.

"One of the girls actually said, 'You've been through enough and you're tired, let us help,'" Christine Casale said.

It was a job Christine Costello and Megan Reark took on after they saw the destruction for the storm.

"It made me want to run right home, change my clothes, and see what I could do to help," Costello said.

"I could see people just trying to pick up the pieces of their lives basically, and it was tough to watch," Reark said.

Instead of watching, they took action and organized a Cape Coral Tornado Clean Up on Facebook set for Thursday.

Walmart in North Fort Myers is setting up a tent with clothing, food, and supplies for those in need.

Susan Bennett from Century 21 Sunbelt Realty has organized a donation and supply drive for tornado victims and will also have a tent set up at Thursday's event to give those items away.

It's the outpour of support from complete strangers that gives the Casales a silver lining.

"There's still hope in America," Al Casale said.

"I can't thank them enough. They're incredible, incredible people," Christine Casale said.

The cleanup and donation event is set for Thursday from 12PM-6PM at the lot on Beach Pkwy and Agualinda.

To access the Cape Coral Tornado Clean Up Facebook group, click here.