The following information is forwarded from Rev. Brent Cantrell of Central Christian Church in Waterloo. (SEE BELOW)
Also, be reminded that monetary donations can be funneled through Week of Compassion and specificed for Parkersburg, IA Relief. (We've already received the first monies for that purpose from Washington Christian Church.
Dr. Richard Guentert
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News on the situation in Parkersburg…
WEBSITE: www.butlercoiowa.org
I believe a Daily Newsletter will be published. They are trying hard to keep communication as clear as possible.
RADIO: A special frequency is set up for Butler, I believe its 530AM.
VOLUNTEERS
All volunteer efforts are being coordinated by the Butler Sheriff's Office 319-267-9111. They will assign projects. When you come into town, go to the United Methodist Church, located just north of the blue water tower on Florence Street. All volunteers are to log in with the Sheriff's Office (they are great guys). FEMA keeps track of hours, and this affects some funding. Logging in helps the town!
(Rev. Betsy Piette is pastor of UMC. She lost her home and all her belonging in the tornado, and is doing a great job of hosting the thousands of volunteers being funneled through her church—the church sustained damage…but miraculously survived in the midst of devastation all
around! The church is just east of the highschool, and north of the highschool.)
Volunteers--be as self-sufficient as possible. Bring first-aid kit, wear boots, gloves, bring supplies. Food is available at AMVETS, but you may want to have your own cooler and snacks as there can often be lines (that move quickly…but they are still lines.)
WORSHIP SERVICES
All churches will be having their services in their sanctuaries this Sunday! Please be praying for them.
FOOD PANTRY
Northeast Food Bank is putting together food boxes at Waterloo and then they are being distributed in town. This will be non-perishables.
More to be coordinated, and I'm sure will be in place by Friday as far as food donations. Watch website and TV for more information! Barbara Prather is Executive Director of NE Food Bank. HELP will be needed to man the food pantry once it is in place.
FEMA
All residents need to register with FEMA 1-800-621-3362. (7am-7pm CT) Pastors who receive their packets should fill out the small business forms for themselves too (yes, really) Everyone should register...sometimes damage doesn't emerge till after the deadline has passed.
SHELTER
Shelter is located at the middle school. If volunteers wish to stay overnite they need to coordinate it with the school 319-347-6621.
COUNSELING
Grief counselors can contact the school, 319-347-6621
MEALS
Meals are being served at Amvets. This is a central location. If you like cooking, point that out when you call the Butler Co at 319-267-9111.
AMVETS
Meals, snacks, water, sodas. FEMA office is located here. Outside a place people can charge cell phones. A good place to go to make connections—along with the Sheriff’s table at the United Methodist Church north of the water tower.
CLOTHES
At present they are asking for no clothes (there are already plenty of donations). There may be a need for new underwear (in packaging), hygiene items, socks. Watch for appeals on TV or website.
SENIORS
Those 60 or older may receive help from Hawkeye Valley that will help with rental deposits, grocery vouchers, insurance deductibles.
TORNADO FUND - A foundation has been set up through Lincoln State Bank, Any donations to "Tornado Fund" will be used to help the town.
DEBRIS REMOVAL
This is the biggest issue right now... once a resident has cleared his/her property of personal items and hazardous waste, he/she can put a stake in the front yard that says removal is ok.
A WAY TO HELP. Removal takes place from the front...and residents need help getting things up and out!!! You will need the right equipment, gloves, and trucks. (Like I need to tell you this!) Residents have total permission to remove debris if they find people to help. Look at the website to see the hazardous waste and debris guidelines (www.butlercoiowa.org)
THURSDAY we sent volunteers home, it was unsafe to operate machinery, and there was shifting in some of the walls with the rain. This was decided and coordinated by Butler County.
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