SIGN UP NOW, WORK LATER OR DONATE

 INDIANAPOLIS -- Volunteers play a vital part in disaster recovery, and thousands have offered to help Indiana residents who were impacted by the recent storms and tornadoes. With spring break starting this week for many schools and colleges, even more are likely to join the effort, as students look for an opportunity to help. However, before heading for Southern Indiana, would-be volunteers need to have a plan.

Well-meaning individuals who simply show up to help without coordinating with disaster management personnel can complicate or even hinder response and recovery operations already underway, according to Indiana Volunteer Organizations Active in Disasters (INVOAD) officials. By calling ahead, volunteers can be matched with someone who has a need for specific skills or services.

While INVOAD reports they have enough volunteers in the impacted areas right now, the need for willing workers will continue for weeks and months to come.

INVOAD officials ask potential volunteers aged 16 and up to register for service online at www.metrounitedway.org or call (502) 599-8593. Volunteers will be called, as needed based on registered skills.

 Donations:

Financial donations:  The single best way to help disaster survivors in southeastern Indiana is with a cash donation to a legitimate relief agency, such as the American Red Cross, operating in the area. The type and amount of items required can change hourly as needs keep pace with the rapidly evolving emergency situation. Cash is far more flexible than goods and allows voluntary agencies to acquire more quickly the supplies needed to address the most urgent needs. 

Visit dhs.in.gov and click on “Charitable organizations that respond to disasters” under “Topics of the day” for a list of legitimate relief organizations.

Fraud alert: Be careful, especially with cash donations. Make sure the organization is legitimate. Anyone collecting door-to-door should have identification from the organization. If you have any questions, look up the organization’s phone number yourself (don’t take the number from the representative) and call the organization’s local office to check.

Drop off location: Hoosiers, who wish to donate, should drop items off at Adventist Community Services, 700 Patrol Road, Jeffersonville between 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Follow the receiving signs to Gate 2.

The donation management phone numbers are 812-287-0090 and 812-287-0026.

The following items are needed:

Tarps (high priority), Heavy duty extension cords, Hatchets, Rakes, Shovels, Laundry soap, Wheel barrows, Gloves, Stretch wrap (with handles, like what is used to wrap pallets), Packing tape (not dispensers), Boxes (approx. 14x14x14) (30lb min.), building materials (2x4s, drywall, etc.) and power tools.

The following items are NOT NEEDED: Clothing and perishable/refrigerated/frozen items.

Household items and cleaning items will be needed in the near future.