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Iowans were devastated by the derecho: Here's how you can help
Lyz Lenz
Aug. 13, 2020 5:19 pm, Updated: Aug. 22, 2020 3:01 pm
On Monday, Iowa was hit with what amounts to a Category 2 hurricane, which leveled homes, businesses and left hundreds of thousands without access to food, power or internet. The damage, compounded by the coronavirus pandemic, has stretched Iowans thin.
It took our governor nearly four days to request help from the National Guard. A presidential disaster declaration wasn't approved until a full week after the storm. Like so many problems in America, our leaders have been slow to respond.
'We need help and we need it now,' said U.S. Rep. Abby Finkenauer at a city news conference. And she's right.
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The devastation of this storm has been left for Americans to pick up the pieces. Literally cleaning out their own homes, while wondering how to get food, water and a place to sleep.
» DERECHO 2020: See all of The Gazette's coverage of the storm
» STORM RESOURCES: • Where to find food, water, free meals | • Shelters, volunteering and more storm resources
For people who want to volunteer, you can visit UWECI.org/volunteernow or you can go to the volunteer reception center located at the Emergency Management Agency, 6301 Kirkwood Blvd. SW, Cedar Rapids, Iowa or call 224-406-1366.
If you want to help Iowans, here are some places to donate:
• The United Way of East Central Iowa is coordinating disaster aid. You can find a way to volunteer here. Or you can donate to them using this link, here.
• Located in Iowa City, the CommUnity Crisis Services and Food Bank offers emotional, financial and food assistance. They need volunteers for their food bank. You can sign up to volunteer, here. You can also donate to them here.
• His Hands
, a faith-based, nonprofit that offers free medical services in Cedar Rapids, is in need of volunteers for indoor cleaning (refrigerator from stuff that went bad), painting metal doors from items ripped off in the storm, reinstalling signs and picking up debris. Contact is Kim Junge, kim@hishandsclinic.org or calling 319 200-5078.
• The American Red Cross is organizing disaster relief. You can donate to them via their website.
• The Eastern Iowa Diaper Bank is donating diapers and wipes to families in need during the disaster. You can donate here. Or you can purchase supplies off their Amazon wish list.
• Kennedy High School's Cougar Corner Food Pantry is accepting donations online. Cash and checks can be dropped off at the school or Lovely Lane Church. Canned and fresh fruits and vegetables, canned and boxed meals, bread, snacks, grocery store gift cards, personal care items and more can be donated from 8 to 11 a.m. Tuesday at Lovely Lane Church.
This list will be updated as more relief efforts are organized. If your organization would like to be on this list, please contact lyz.lenz@thegazette.com, or call 319-651-8148.
A car is seen crushed by large tree limbs on the 2000 block of Bever Avenue SE in Cedar Rapids on Friday, Aug. 14, 2020. (Andy Abeyta/The Gazette)
Grant Whitmore (from left), Jason Kirk and Peter Delaney roll a tree trunk while cutting it apart at Whitmore's home in northwest Cedar Rapids on Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2020. (Liz Martin/The Gazette)