Following Sunday's outbreak of severe weather, which
generated over 60 tornadoes and caused damage in several Midwestern states,
including Illinois, Indiana and Missouri, many people are looking to contribute
to relief efforts.
The destruction was widespread, leaving many with little
the week before Thanksgiving. Below is a list of organizations already on the
ground, for individuals looking to contribute to relief efforts:
Red Cross
The Central Illinois chapter of the Red Cross has established a shelter in the
Illinois town of Washington. It also has activated the Safe and Well website to
help in finding loved ones who may still be missing.
Salvation
Army
Salvation Army had
mobilized teams to areas that need emergency food and shelter. These teams are
dispersed across the region to offer nourishment, shelter and guidance to the
needy. The Salvation Army has established a way to give immediately; you can
contribute by texting STORM to 80888 to make a $10 donation.
Team
Rubicon
Team Rubicon is a
group of veterans who come together after disasters to provide immediate relief
and aid to rescue and recovery workers.
The Girl Scouts of Central Illinois have no report of
loss or injury directly to any of their employees or to their properties. However,
they do know that many Girl Scout families in the Washington, East Peoria,
Pekin and Gifford areas have suffered damage as a result of the storms; in some
cases the loss was tremendous.
For individuals looking to send donations directly to the
council, each regional office will begin accepting donations of items on behalf
of the disaster victims and they will coordinate the distribution of these
items once they hear back from agencies coordinating as to what items are most
needed.
There have been offers from other councils and troops to
fund uniforms, Girls Guides, badges and other items that Girl Scouts may have
lost in Sunday’s tornados. The Girl Scouts of Central Illinois is establishing an
account to aid in that effort. Individuals can send those funds directly to the
Springfield Service Center, 3020 Baker Drive, Springfield, IL 62703 to the
Finance department. Should the fund outgrow the need, remaining funds will be
put into the GSCI Uniform Assistance Fund.
Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the tornadoes.