Donations and volunteer efforts are ongoing: How to help Iowa tornado victims
Grace PaterasSevere weather ripped through Iowa on Saturday, leaving seven people dead, including two children under 5 years old. The Des Moines Register will be providing updates as more information becomes available.
Efforts to help victims across Madison and Lucas counties are ongoing.
More:What we know about Iowa tornado that killed 7
American Red Cross — Iowa
The American Red Cross is assisting those affected by Saturday night's tornadoes.
Josh Murray, American Red Cross regional communications director, said Sunday morning that they’re working with local emergency management teams to determine the most urgent needs of those affected by the storms.
“The best way to help right now is through donations to (our) general disaster relief fund,” he said. “That allows us to use the funds as we need them.”
Iowa tornado:From live updates to how to help, find latest coverage here
As of 1 p.m. Sunday, the Red Cross has asked for cash donations only. They are not in need of clothing or food at this time.
For those wanting to support the Red Cross efforts, donations can be made at redcross.org/donate.
Contributions to Red Cross are tax-deductible.
Volunteer in Winterset, Iowa
The Madison County Chamber of Commerce encouraged those wishing to volunteer to not visit "sites impacted by the storm directly" in a Sunday morning Facebook post.
"You can call us at the Chamber or message us with your name, phone number, # of volunteers, and any special skills/equipment you have," the post said.
"Emergency Management will reach out to you when they have specific assignments."
To get in contact with the Madison County Chamber of Commerce and the city of Winterset, call (515) 462-1185 or email chamber@madisoncounty.com.
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Where to donate food, goods
The official donation location for Winterset/Madison County is through Red Cross at New Bridge Church in Winterset, the Madison County Chamber of Commerce said via Facebook.
Currently, according to the post, items needed are:
- Tarps
- Boxes
- Plastic storage totes and containers
- Flashlights
Bottled water, non-perishable food, personal hygiene items, and gift cards for means, food, and gas are needed, as well.
In the St. Charles area, The Talk Shop Lounge is collecting items for donation as well.
According to their Facebook page, items needed are:
- Fruit juice
- Water bottles
- Granola & cereal bars
- Hand warmers
- Unger nifty trash pickers
- 33, 45, & 55 gallon trash bags
- Tarps
- Paper goods (plates, bowls, cups, towels, toilet paper)
- Pump hand soap
- All-purpose disinfectant spray
- Hand sanitizer
Drop off times are Sunday from noon to 7 p.m., and Monday through Friday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Madison County Disaster Recovery Fund
On Sunday, the Greater Madison County Community Foundation announced the establishment of a Disaster Recovery Fund (DRF) to support victims.
Contributions to the fund will provide resources to economic needs and health challenges for those who have been affected, a news release stated.
"The flexibility of the fund will ensure that the county will be able to respond to needs that are not being met by existing non-profit, local, state and federal programs," according to the news release.
To support the fund, people can donate online at desmoinesfoundation.org/givemadisoncounty. Or, mail a contribution to 1217 N. 6th Ave. Suite 3, Winterset, IA 50273.
Contributions to the DRF are tax-deductible.
The Salvation Army
Salvation Army disaster-relief teams are in central Iowa Sunday helping communities affected by the storms, a Facebook post from the Salvation Army of Omaha said.
Donations to the organization's relief effort can be made at salarmyiowarelief.org.
Contributions to the Salvation Army are tax-deductible.
Verified GoFundMe donation sites
GoFundMe launched a link that centralized the sites built for those affected by Saturday's tornadoes. Links on this hub are verified and vetted by GoFundme.
GoFundMe's Iowa tornado Iowa relief hub includes donations to those who lost their home as well as for the Bolger family, who lost four family members.
GreenState Credit Union 0% interest loans
GreenState Credit Union is offering 0% interest loans for those impacted by the recent storms across Iowa, which impacted a total of 12 counties.
For members with a financial need, the Natural Disaster Relief Loan has a maximum amount of $3,500 for a term of 18 months. For more information, visit greenstate.org, call 800-397-3790 or stop by any branch location.
This story is developing. Check back for updates.