How to help local tornado victims

The United Way of Central Missouri, American Red Cross and other organizations continue to assist in this time of recovery and rebuilding our community. The storm and flooding has affected many and we will utilize all resources available to help the victims of this tragedy.

GET HELP

If you or someone you know needs assistance or resources due to recent tornado or flooding dial 2-1-1 (or 1-800-427-4626) to complete a disaster intake.  2-1-1 services include referrals for basic human needs, physical and mental health resources, and support for all who have been impacted. 2-1-1 is free, accessible 24/7 and completely confidential.

A Multi Agency Resource Center (MARC) is being planned. A MARC is a one stop shop for disaster survivors to access services after the storms.

ORGANIZATIONS OR INDIVIDUALS THAT NEED VOLUNTEER HELP

If an organization or individual needs volunteer assistance dial 2-1-1 (or 1-800-427-4626) or visit www.unitedwaycemo.org to post your disaster opportunities on our website. 

DONATE

FINANCIAL DONATIONS

Online donations can be made to the United Way of Central Missouri Disaster Recovery Fund online, or by texting MIDMO to 41444, or online through the American Red Cross website.

The United Way of Central Missouri Disaster Recovery Fund will help our community meet the disaster-related needs and support recovery throughout the affected Jefferson City and Eldon area. With your support we will rebuild the central Missouri community. 100% of donations given to the United Way of Central Missouri Disaster Recovery Fund will be used to serve immediate and long-term recovery efforts. Thank you for helping us rebuild our beautiful community!

Cash/checks are being accepted at the United Way of Central Missouri located at 205 Alameda Drive in Jefferson City. Checks should be made payable to the United Way of Central Missouri or the American Red Cross Central & Northern Missouri Chapter. Please note ‘Disaster Recovery’ in the memo field.

MATERIAL DONATIONS

A donation site will be set up for individuals wanting to donate items starting on Thursday, May 30 from 8:00am – 5:00pm. The donation site will be at Capital West Christian Event Center, 1308 Fairgrounds Road, Jefferson City, MO. Items being accepted are personal care items, paper goods, and cleaning supplies which are items most in need at this stage of the recovery process.

VOLUNTEER

Individuals wanting to volunteer and assist with the disaster recovery can register HERE or go to the Volunteer Reception Center directly, located in the old Sears wing of the Capital Mall located at 3600 Country Club Drive. The Volunteer Reception Center hours of operation have changed to 9:00am – 3:00pm seven days a week until further notice; please stay tuned on the United Way of Central Missouri Facebook page (@unitedwaycemo) or call the direct line for the Volunteer Reception Center at 573-462-9904.

All volunteers should bring:

• Valid ID
• Work gloves
• Long pants
• Closed-toed shoes (preferably work boots)
• Water
• Lunch

Volunteers cleaning up debris must be 18 years of age or older. There will be other tornado recovery related service activities posted as they become available. There may be limited parking and congested roads in downtown Jefferson City, so please consider carpooling if serving with others.

AMERICAN RED CROSS

Red Cross shelters remain open in Jefferson City and Eldon and a pet shelter also remains open. The two shelters remain open in response to the severe storms and tornadoes that hit Jefferson City  and Eldon Wednesday night. The shelters are located at:

• Thomas Jefferson Middle School 1201 Fairgrounds Road, Jefferson City, MO (location includes temporary pet shelter)
• Eldon Community Center: 309 E 2^nd, Eldon, MO

Items to bring include clothing for a few days, bedding, toiletries, essential medication, and items for your children. Anyone who needs to find a shelter may visit redcross.org/shelter, download the free Red Cross Emergency App or call 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767). The Emergency App is available in app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.

The shelters in Jefferson City and Eldon have received numerous donations such as clothing and toiletries and are requesting the public to hold off on any additional items at this time. The Red Cross is working with community partners to determine a specific location that is able to take additional items for individuals affected by the tornado and the information will be provided as it becomes available.

During and after disasters, financial donations enable the Red Cross to help people recover from disasters big and small. Call, click, or text to give: visit redcross.org, call 1-800 RED CROSS or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation or donate online at www.redcross.org.

About United Way of Central Missouri

With more than 1,100 volunteers, United Way of Central Missouri and its 28 partner agencies touch more than 86,000 lives in our community, helping people live their best possible lives by fighting for the health, education, financial stability and basic needs of every person in our community. We provide services in seven counties in central Missouri; including Camden, Cole, Miller, Moniteau, Morgan, Osage, and southern Callaway; to create community solutions that improve life for our families, friends, and neighbors. Since our inception in 1925, United Way of Central Missouri has partnered with local businesses and organizations to remain a vibrant resource in our community. For more information about United Way of Central Missouri, please visit UnitedWaycemo.org. Stay tuned by following us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@unitedwaycemo).