Release Date: July 12, 2010

Contact: Bill Rudolph, Donation Center Manager 419.724.4994

 

The Wood County Tornado Recovery Center will officially begin operations Tuesday, July 13, at 10:00 a.m. in the old Value City building at Great Eastern Plaza on Woodville Road in Northwood. Donations of furniture, appliances, linens and household items can be dropped off by appointment, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.

With initial clean-up nearly complete in many locations, local residents turn their attention to long term recovery. “How do you buy all the things to restart a household—a couch, washer and dryer, even towels and sheets? For many families affected by the tornado, this just isn’t financially possible.  And that’s where the community can help,“ explains  Bill Rudolph, Recovery Center Manager. 

The MainStreet Church, started collecting donations several weeks ago and volunteers, led by Pastor Tom Caldwell, unloaded two truckloads of furniture and household items at the Center last week. But more donations are needed says Rudolph. “Furniture can be gently used but should be clean and in good repair. Appliances need to be in working condition. Just look around your house and see what you would need if you lost everything—that’s what your neighbors will need.”

Donated items will be distributed to families designated by a caseworker who is under the direction of the Long Term Recovery Council, chaired by Mike George of the United Way. “Be assured that your donations will go to affected families. Nothing will be sold or given to anyone who was not affected by the recent tornado,” explains Rudolph.

Donation management at the Recovery Center is a ministry of Adventist Community Services Disaster Response in cooperation with local volunteers and Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD), a statewide network of volunteer organizations who respond to communities experiencing devastating natural disasters.

To drop off donated items for Tornado Recovery, call 419.724.4994, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday or Sunday, between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.