Friday, May. 16, 2008

Donations, volunteers, supplies still needed in tornado cleanup efforts

Major home repair and debris removal operations will be under way in Macon and Bibb County today and through the weekend, and there's still a need for donations of food and other supplies.

Some of the people affected by Sunday's tornado lost much of their food to spoilage, and local charities said they need new donations to cover the need. There's also a need for people willing to help remove debris, including large trees, from yards. Unless a downed tree hit a person's home, removal usually isn't covered by insurance policies.

Some people also need electrician services that they may not be able to afford. While the power is back on, some people can't hook into it because of damage to their meter box or to the wires running to their homes.

The American Red Cross has served more than 14,700 hot meals and is transitioning its efforts to target residents who need the meals versus those who see them as a matter of convenience.

"Obviously there are still people who have no means of generating a hot meal, and we want to continue assisting them," Red Cross spokesman Dan Kurtz said. "Our mass feeding operation will continue as long as there is a need for it."

Getting help:

* If you need help removing debris, there are several organizations offering that help. Many are listed below under "Volunteering: damage assessment, repairs and debris removal." But the city of Macon has tasked its grounds superintendent with coordinating requests. Call Nancy Dixon at (478) 808-0147.

* The Crisis Closet at First Baptist Church, 511 High Place in Macon, will be open Monday from 10 a.m. to noon for food and personal items. (478) 477-2705.

* The American Red Cross is providing meals to those without food or power. They have a mobile response unit set up at Glenwood Hills Baptist Church, 3225 Rice Mill Road in Macon, where meals will be served at 8 a.m., 1 p.m., and 5 p.m. daily. Also, Red Cross trucks are delivering meals in affected neighborhoods.'

* Hope House Food Pantry, located at Bloomfield United Methodist Church, 5511 Bloomfield Road in Macon, is offering supplies for tornado victims. Call (478) 228-0078.

Volunteering: damage assessment, repairs and debris removal:

* The city has a lengthy list of requests for volunteer help, from debris removal to a need for electricians willing to volunteer their time. Call Nancy Dixon at (478) 808-0147.

* Volunteer Macon needs people to answer telephones and fill out paperwork and handle other logistics. Call (478) 742-6677.
* The Macon Baptist Association needs volunteers to help clear debris today and Saturday. Call (478) 750-9114 or show up after 8 a.m. at the Glenwood Hills Baptist Church, 3225 Rice Mill Road in Macon.
* Volunteers are asked to meet at the Tubman African American Museum, 340 Walnut St. in downtown Macon, Saturday starting at 7 a.m. Volunteers with tools and trucks are needed, but so are "willing bodies."
* A group, organized by several churches, will meet at Unionville Missionary Baptist Church, 3837 Houston Ave. in Macon, at 8 a.m. Saturday to go door to door and assess damage. Bring a pen and pad and leave children at home. For more information call (478) 785-0607.

* Cooperative Baptist Fellowship is organizing debris removal and home repair teams. E-mail sford@cbfga.org or call (478) 742-1191.

Donations:

* Anyone interested in making a donation can go to the Macon Bibb Emergency Operations Center at 700 Poplar St. Items needed are flashlights, batteries, tarps and cleanup supplies.

* Food, ice and water can be dropped off at the Red Cross and Southern Baptist Association's cooking station at Glenwood Hills Baptist Church, 3225 Rice Mill Road in Macon.

* The Salvation Army is collecting items to assist storm victims at any of their Macon locations, as well as at any CVS drug store. They're asking for bottled water, non-perishable items, tarps and cleaning supplies.

* The Macon Rescue Mission is asking for non-perishable food products and says its shelves are bare. Donate at the shelter, 774 Hazel St. in Macon, or at the Macon Rescue Mission Bargain Center, 3375 Napier Ave.

* Donations to the Red Cross may be made at www.redcross.org or (800) HELP-NOW.

* Hope House Food Pantry, located at Bloomfield United Methodist Church, 5511 Bloomfield Road in Macon, is accepting donations of supplies. Call (478) 228-0078.