GREENSBORO, N.C. -- Greensboro's volunteer center is working on organizing efforts as shelters and other community centers are doing their part to provide the necessities, such as food, clothes, and shelter, for those in need following Sunday's tornado. 

Even simple gestures, such as dropping off a case of water at your local church, are exactly what the community needs, according to officials.

"Right now, it's really just making sure people are safe, people are fed, and people are clothed," said Carley Swain Walker, executive director of the Greensboro volunteer center.

Officials say the community response has been overwhelming but it will take time to organize volunteer efforts.

If you would like to lend a hand, you can contact the city or volunteer center and they will get back to you.

"This is an impacted area that is going to require a long term commitment from all of us, so we hope everyone will be patient and work with us," said Assistant City Manager Chris Wilson. "Most of the efforts at this point are associated with doing things around the impacted area or getting things to our partner providers so they can redistribute in a safe fashion."

The city is also partnering with Goodwill, the Interactive Resource Center, United Way and others to make sure that the communities affected by the tornado have everything they need.