Cathedral High School students will also host the second day of their supply drive.
Below is a list of announcements regarding resources and tornado relief efforts we've received in the newsroom so far on Wednesday, June 15.
If you know of a resource that should be added to this list -- or to the map at the bottom of this post -- please post a comment or email online@repub.com.
The United Way is coordinating volunteer efforts. Call 2-1-1 for information.
Call ahead before heading out to a donation center, to make sure that location is still accepting donations. And, avoid scams: check the Better Business Bureau charity guide before donating.
EVENTS / ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15
Springfield Partners for Community Action hosts clothing distribution today
From a press release sent by SPCA development specialist Jennifer Picard:
Springfield Partners for Community Action will distribute clothing, personal care items, and baby care products to those affected by the tornado on Wednesday, June 15, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., at its offices at 721 State St., 2nd floor.
Residents picking up items at the distribution should bring proof of address. Please use the State Street entrance.
Free twin beds and mattresses are also available for pick up, but only by appointment; please call 413-263-6500 to make arrangements.
People who need elevator access for Wednesday’s distribution should call 413-263-6500 prior to arrival.
For more information, please visit www.springfieldpartnersinc.com.
Open Pantry distributes clothing, hygiene supplies today
From Open Pantry:
On Wednesday June 15th Open Pantry's People's Center will be open to only those affected by the tornado. People will be able to get free clothing and hygiene items. The People's Center is located at 287 State Street, Springfield. We will be open from 10:00am to 2:00pm. If you have any questions please call (413) 737-5354.
Peter Pan collecting donations in Chicopee through Friday
From a press release:
Peter Pan Bus Lines is using its 1939 Futuristic Bus as a donation collection site at 510 Front Street, Chicopee today through Friday. The vehicle is one of three of its kind in the country. It was built for the 1939 World Fair. Peter Pan and First American Insurance Agency have teamed up to collect essential items for many of the relief agencies helping Tornado victims.
Cathedral students hold second day of supply drive
From Mark Dupont, spokesman for the Springfield Roman Catholic Diocese:
Cathedral High School students will be holding a supply drive in collaboration with the Diocese of Springfield’s Catholic Charities Agency to help in the tornado relief effort.Donations will be collected at St. Catherine of Siena Parish at 1023 Parker Street in Springfield Tuesday and Wednesday, June 14th and 15th, from 4 to7 p.m. Donors are asked to drop off household items such as lamps, dishes, flatware, blankets and towels. Toiletries, spring and summer clothing, baby needs such as diapers and baby food are also needed.
Non-perishable food supplies, preferably microwavable, will also be helpful. Donors are asked to drop items off at the Social Center entrance.
Messina O'Grady tweeting tornado relief efforts
O'Grady, a South Hadley resident, has been working to coordinate donations in the aftermath of the storm. Follow Mass Tornado Relief on Twitter or find O'Grady on Facebook.
Springfield Falcons launch jersey auction for tornado relief
Our Sports Desk reports:
The Springfield Falcons announced Tuesday they have started the first phase of their online jersey auction to help benefit the Pioneer Valley Chapter of the Red Cross and aid with tornado relief throughout Western Massachusetts. The Falcons currently have 10 jerseys up for bid through Falconsahl.com/Ebay, including team-autographed Boston Bruins and Vancouver Canucks jerseys.
Friendly's restaurants collecting donations, starting today
From a press release outlining the company's efforts:
Friendly Ice Cream Corporation, which operates more than 500 company-owned and franchised family dining restaurants, announced today that the company will raise money through customer donations at over 140 restaurants throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut to benefit the Pioneer Valley Red Cross’ tornado relief effort.
Collection drop boxes will be placed at the cash register of each restaurant. Friendly’s will match all of the donations collected from customers. The fundraising effort will begin on June 15 and continue through July 10.
Scholarship fund supports Fabiola and Ibone Guerrero
From a press release:
A scholarship fund to help Fabiola and Ibone Guerrero, who lost their mother, Angelica F. Guerrero, in the June 1 tornado, is being spearheaded by a Union Street businessman.Angelica Guerrero, 39, saved the life of 15-year-old Ibone by shielding her in a bathtub during the tornado, which caused their Merrick neighborhood apartment house to collapse around them.
Eighteen-year-old Fabiola, who just finished her first year at Holyoke Community College, was not at home when the twister hit.
Victor E. Thomas Jr., who owns Ruggers Rugby and Soccer Supply, has started The Angelica Guerrero Memorial Scholarship Fund through the Holyoke Community College Foundation. Contributions may be sent to the HCC Foundation at 303 Homestead Ave., Holyoke, MA 01040 or by going online to http://www.hcc.edu/
To learn more about Angelica, her family and different ways to help them go to Angelicasfund.com.
The map below includes shelter locations, agencies accepting donations, storm assistance centers and other resources.
Map Key:
- Red line: Street closed.
- Blue line: Road open, but police advise motorists and pedestrians to avoid the area.
- Green marker: Shelter location
- Pink marker: Donations accepted
- Pink marker with dot: Information resource + donations accepted.
- Yellow marker: Food / donation distribution point.
- Turquoise marker: Information and links to other resources.
- Purple marker: State Storm Assistance Center.
View Western Massachusetts tornadoes: Resources, damage and road closures in a larger map
ONGOING RESOURCES / REQUESTS
RMV offers free ID replacement for tornado victims
According to a press release from the Department of Transportation, "Governor Deval Patrick has directed that the RMV waive the $25 fee associated with duplicate IDs and license for residents living in the communities impacted by the storms." Read more here.
Food Bank seeks volunteer help at Hatfield warehouse
WWLP reports:
Food Bank Program Director Christina Maxwell says "Right now we need more people to volunteer to help distribute food and water. The community has been wonderful responding to this need and we've been getting cash donations as well as food donations. We could definitely use volunteers at our warehouse in Hatfield and people can go on our website to find out how to sign up for those opportunities."
Visit the Food Bank's website for information.
STCC library rolls out calendar of relief events
Nice use of a Google calendar to aggregate both fundraising and distribution events happening here.
Red Cross releases video of Sen. Scott Brown's Springfield tour
Ryan Hughes, a Central Mass Chapter volunteer for the Red Cross, shot and edited video chronicling Scott Brown's June 4th tour with the Red Cross. Rick Lee, executive director of the American Red Cross Pioneer Valley Chapter, writes:
Ryan is a professional videographer who took a high definition camera out on my ride-along with U.S. Senator Scott Brown of Massachusetts into some of the most severely affected areas of Springfield.
I should note that, Senator John Kerry was with us in the shelter June 1st and returned last week to revisit our shelter to speak with clients and workers. He personally thanked almost every Red Crosser he came upon and told me he had raised $25,000 through his Facebook page to support Red Cross relief in western Massachusetts.
Governor Deval Patrick, Lt. Gov. Tim Murray and much of our local political delegation have been on scene and offering their support.
When asked what we needed most I told both Senators Brown and Kerry “we need the Individual Assistance and Presidential Declaration to fuel federal financial assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to the homeowners, renters and businesses affected by these devastating storms. They pledged to do all they could to support that.
"Monson Unites" shirts available starting Today
Posted by Laura Sauriol to the Monson Tornado Watch 2011 Facebook page: OFFICIAL "MONSON UNITES" T-Shirts Will be available for $20 starting Tuesday at Monson Savings Bank and at The First Church of Monson!
Information on the Monson Recovers Resource Center
From Monson's website:
The Monson Recovers Resource Center (MRRC) has opened at Hillside School, 29 Thompson Street to provide information to community members for services needed and resources available. The MRRC has been operational since Tuesday, June 7, 2011 and is staffed by Medical Reserve Corps and community volunteers. People who are interested in volunteering by staffing the office to provide information and resources to our neighbors are asked to contact Liz Manley at monsonrecovers@monson-ma.gov or by calling 413-579-4803.
Area police and firefighters need help with Monson cleanup effort
The "Monson Tree Crew," made up of local first responders, will take another trip to Monson Wednesday (June 15) to help clear trees and debris. Organizer Justin Green writes: "We will be working on Ely Road tomorrow June 15th which is the street across from First Church. They seem to have a significant amount of work that still needs to be done. All volunteers will be meeting at the Pride Gas Station in Palmer at 7:30AM and then heading in when we get everyone together."
More information on the effort, from Fireground360: After the recent tornadoes that affected several cities and towns across Western Massachusetts local law enforcement officers and firefighters came together with chainsaws and manpower. These individuals descended on the town of Monson, MA and are providing critical assistance with the removal of trees and debris from houses, driveways, and outside structures. Their swift action this has allowed the devastated families access to their homes and what is left of their belongings.
The crew's hope is to continue this service throughout the town of Monson with the assistance of heavy equipment. With the much needed donation of a skid steer, the machine would give volunteers the ability to be more efficient by moving larger pieces of debris from the storm ravaged neighborhoods.
The crew needs: MANPOWER to pull brush + cut trees from houses, CAT 257B skid steer + grapple bucket (rental cost $451.93), used professional chain saws, saw chains, bars, files, 2 cycle oil + bar/chain oil, monetary donations for heavy equipment rental
If you would like to give a monetary donation, donate equipment and HELP in some small or BIG way we urge you to contact: Justin Green, UMASS PD, Monson Tree Crew, (413) 387-7722. Donations can also be made at Florence Savings Banks under the name of "LE Tree Crew Monson Tornado Relief".
For other questions please contact Paula + Rick Labrecque, FIREGROUND360°, fireground360@gmail.com or (413) 250-7924
Mass.gov launches tornado recovery resource page
Mass.gov's tornado recovery page includes information on storm assistance centers, rebuilding resources, consumer information, and how to help.
Catholic Charities establishes donation center
Donation center established at St. Francis Chapel, 254 Bridge St., Springfield, open Tuesday and Thursday, through July 7, also by appointment, call (413) 733-9298; needs include lamps, dishes, flatware, cups, glassware, small kitchen appliances, pots and pans, linens, blankets, towels, toiletries for adults and children, spring and summer clothing, including undergarments and sleepwear, all sizes, diapers, baby food, formula, non-perishable food supplies; also accepting volunteers and funds to assist displaced victims and aid other agencies like Red Cross and Salvation Army; more information available online, www.diospringfield.org or email inquiries to tornadorelief@diospringfield.org.
Holyoke Mall accepting donations on behalf of Springfield Rescue Mission
People may donate the following items at the customer service center, located on the lower level near Sears:
- Non-perishable food / beverages: Bottled Water, Ice Tea Mix, Lemonade Mix, Bread, Peanut Butter, Jelly / Jam, Sugar
- Paper / other kitchen goods: Sandwich baggies, plates, cups, napkins, paper towels, plastic flatware
- Clean-up needs: Work gloves, Kitchen gloves (powderless), Heavy duty kitchen bags (40-45 gallon size), Hand sanitizer packets or wipes, Sunblock, Bug spray
- Clothing: New underwear (men, women and children), New Socks (men, women and children), New t-shirts (men size large and XL). Note: The Rescue Mission is in "desperate need" of women's new underwear and new socks.
- Toiletries: Toothbrushes / toothpaste, soap and body wash, deodorant, lip balm, shampoo / conditioner, brushes / combs, tissues, hand / body lotion, baby power, disposable razors, shaving cream.
- Gift cards for gas and food: Gift cards will be accepted to distribute to those living in crisis and to assist the Mission.
Council of Churches of Greater Springfield lists donation / distribution sites
The Council of Churches of Greater Springfield has set up a tornado relief page listing donation and distribution sites. Basilica of the Holy Apostles at 339 State Street in Springfield is accepting large furniture items, food, clothing and other large donations, and a "show room' will be set up at the church to facilitate pick-up.
Salvation Army offers vouchers for clothing purchases
Today, the Salvation Army will be distributing vouchers that tornado victims may use to purchase clothing at Salvation Army retail stores, said Maj. Linda Perks. Victims may claim vouchers at 170 Pearl Street from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Friday.
Perks said the Salvation Army is accepting clothing donations at 327 Liberty Street. Donations of food, toiletries and water may be made at 170 Pearl Street.
Center for Human Development seeks donations
From Chris Yurko, communications director:
CHD’s Diversion, Shelter & Housing program is collecting household items, furniture, canned foods, dry goods, and other items that will be distributed to individuals and families displaced by the June 1 tornado in the West Springfield, Springfield, Wilbraham, and Monson areas. Items needed in new or “like new” condition:
Kitchen supplies (silverware, plates, bowls, cups, etc), towels (large and small) canned foods, dry goods, bedding (sheets, comforters, pillows), bed frames (twin and full), mattresses (new), pots & pans, lamps, flash lights/batteries, toiletries (toilet paper, toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, shampoo, feminine hygiene, etc.), cleaning supplies (paper towels, disinfectant, sponges, mops, brooms, etc.)
Please deliver to CHD PACE School, 69 Capital Drive, West Springfield, MA, or contact: Rose Evans at (413) 737-2679 (office), (413) 519-5468 (cell), revans@chd.org (email) or Jane Banks at (413) 737-2679 (office), (413) 575-7402 (cell), jbanks@chd.org (email).
Monetary donations and / or gift cards to any local Springfield area business that carries listed items will also be accepted and used to assist tornado victims. Please send monetary donations and/or gift cards to: CHD Development Office, 332 Birnie Ave. Springfield, MA 01107.
Uno restaurants, Taste of the Valley donating to tornado relief efforts
Through June 10, all Uno Chicago Grill restaurants in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island will donate 10% of their profits to the Pioneer Valley Red Cross.
West Springfield's Taste of the Valley event, which runs today (4 p.m. to 9 p.m.) through Sunday will be donating 100% of its proceeds to local tornado relief efforts.
FEMA, MEMA offer new ways to donate and volunteer
From MEMA public information officer Peter Judge:
Those wishing to make monetary donations to assist the most impacted individuals can contribute to the Massachusetts Statewide Disaster Relief Fund. This effort, hosted by the United Way of Tri-County can be found online at www.unitedwaytri-county.org/disaster. These funds will then be distributed in the form of grants to meet the needs of individuals and families through long-term recovery groups recognized by the Massachusetts Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (MAVOAD).
Members of the public interested in volunteering their time/skills or wishing to donate products/ equipment are encouraged to do so by using the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) National Donation’s Management System at http://www.aidmatrixnetwork.org/FEMA/.
Springfield seeks landlords with vacant housing units
From the mayor's office:
In an effort to help the victims of the tornado, Attorney Lisa DeSousa from the City’s Law Department – Housing Division, is urgently requesting any landlords who have available rental units to contact the Office of Housing at (413) 787-6500 or email Lizzie Malave at lmalave@springfieldcityhall.com.
Relief fund established for Monson
The Monson Arts Council reports that a relief fund for Monson has been established at Monson Savings Bank. Checks can be made out to: Make check out to Monson Savings Bank, Monson Tornado Relief, 146 Main St., Monson, MA 01057.
The Arts Council also notes: "Donations and volunteers can help at First Church, 5 Main St; Glendale Methodist Church, Main St; or St Patrick church. All clothing is being taking in at St Patrick's, The First Church and Glendale are providing hot/cold food and drinks. They both have non-perishable items for the tornado victims."
And, debris pick-up information from Kathleen Conley Norbut, Emergency Management Director:
The Board of Selectmen has contracted with Ash Britt Environmental to begin debris collection and removal from the storm beginning on Tuesday, June 7, 2011.
Regular trash pick-up resumes June 6, 2011.
Residents are asked to separate disaster debris and place vegetative debris only in piles at the curb in the public right-of-way, not on private property and NOT IN THE STREET.
Stimulations Learning Center in Monson distributing toys, school supplies and more
Stimulations Learning Center has been collecting and distributing toys, books, outdoor equipment, school and art supplies, baby items, games, puzzles and other items for children and families. Pick-up times are 7 a.m.-7 p.m. daily.
The center is also seeking donations of large boxes, masking tape and storage space.
Phone: 413 267-4716 and 413 267-0558
Open Pantry offers food and clothing
From the website of the United Way, a list of resources offered by Open Pantry Community Services [main phone: (413) 737-5354]:
- Emergency Food Pantry: Our emergency food pantry is open Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday and Friday from 9:00AM-3:00PM. We are waiving the intake process for all tornado survivors. Special boxes will be prepared with ready to eat foods and toiletry items. We are located at 2460 Main Street, Springfield.
- People's Center: The People's Center provides free clothing to those in need. We are open Monday through Friday 10:00AM-2:00PM. On Tuesday June 7, the People's Center will be open only to those affected by the tornado. In addition we will distributing ready to eat food and hygiene products out of 287 State Street (3rd Floor) from 9:00AM-5:00PM.
- Loaves and Fishes Kitchen: We provide two meals a day at 12:00PM and 5:00PM. We are at Christ Church Cathedral Monday through Friday, South Congregational on Saturday and Sunday at Shiloh Seventh Day Adventist.
Red Cross seeks translators
From the website of the Pioneer Valley Chapter: The American Red Cross Pioneer Valley Chapter currently has a need for specialized translators -- if you are trained in the following: Napalese, Arabic, Burmese, Russian or Spanish -- please report to the Pioneer Valley Chapter at 506 Cottage St., Springfield and ask for Paula W.
Donations to the Red Cross Pioneer Valley Chapter may be sent to 506 Cottage St., Springfield, 01104. Phone (413) 737-4306. Donations also can be made online at http://www.redcrosscwm.org/.
Dakin Pioneer Valley Humane Society offers temporary pet care
Dakin Pioneer Valley Humane Society, located at 171 Union Street in Springfield, is offering temporary care for pets owned by residents displaced by the tornado. Dakin will house and provide care for pets for 5 days. Phone: (413) 781-4000.
Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control & Adoption Center offers services for stray animals, search and rescue
Residents can contact the Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control & Adoption Center for "field services" (search and rescue) involving animals, or if they find stray cats and dogs. The center is located at 627 Cottage Street. Phone: (413) 781-1484.
Friendship Baptist Church in Brimfield offers relief for tornado victims
Brimfield's Friendship Baptist Church, located at 9 East Brimfield / Holland Road, is coordinating chainsaw crews to help residents clear downed trees and limbs from their property. To schedule a crew, call (860) 961-0513. Crews are currently operating between Sturbridge and Monson, Pastor Steve Nurger said Monday morning. Nurger said the church also has showers and laundry facilities available to stricken residents. And while the church is not an official meal site, Nurger said, "We always have food."
Clothing, household items available at Hitchcock Academy in Brimfield
Sharon Palmer, assistant director of Brimfield's Hitchcock Academy reports this morning that the school's clothing drive was an overwhelming success. Items are now available for pick-up by residents affected by the tornado. The school is located at 2 Brookfield Road, and pick-up hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday.
"Even more amazing than the force of the storms is the generosity, concern, and good nature of so many people in the area who contributed their time and efforts to help others," Palmer said in a press release. The clothing / item drive is now closed to further donations. "We now have more than enough donations and literally cannot handle more," Palmer said.
Springfield releases emergency information sheet
BUSINESS EVENTS / COLLECTIONS / DONATIONS
Antonios Grinders of Springfield to host fundraiser on June 22
Press advisory from Antonio's Grinders:
On Wednesday June 22, 10 percent of all purchases made at Antonio's Grinders will be donated to tornado relief efforts. Please stop by any of our locations throughout Springfield: 770 Bay St., 17 Longhill St., and 1030 State St.
Thank you for your efforts in helping our community !
Heartsong Yoga Center of East Longmeadow plans June 21 fund raiser for tornado relief
From Sheila Magalhaes of Heartsong Yoga Center, 264 North Main St. East Longmeadow:
"The Eye of the Storm" is Heartsong's offering to the community, to raise funds for the American Red Cross, still hard at work helping Western Mass residents to re build. On Tuesday, June 21st, from 6 to 8 pm, all are welcome to attend an evening of Gentle Yoga and Deep Relaxation, with free will donations being accepted for the event, which will be dedicated to those affected by the disaster. The class will include a "Metta" or "Loving Kindness Meditation" a very gentle yoga practice (beginners are welcome) and a relaxation practice known as "Yoga Nidra" which has been widely used in the treatment of PTSD for health and wellness. 100% of the proceeds of this class will go to the Pioneer Valley Red Cross Chapter's Tornado Relief Fund.In addition, Heartsong Yoga will collect non perishable food donations for the Open Pantry, and these can be dropped off at any time through the week of June 21st. You can contact Heartsong Yoga at 414-525-0720, they are located at 264 North Main St. "Condo East" in East Longmeadow, MA, or visit the web at www.heartsongyoga.com for a full schedule of the evening's events. All proceeds from Heartsong's four regular "drop in" classes on June 21st, morning and evening, will also be donated to the relief fund as well, call or visit the web for details.
kategray boutique of East Longmeadow begins clothing drive
Starting Thursday, June 9, there will be a donations drive at kategray store, 32 Center Square, East Longmeadow. Our goal is to be able to distribute a new professional wardrobe to anybody in need - right here at the store.
Business and work clothes, shoes and accessories in very good condition are badly needed. Personal items (soaps, new tooth brushes, tooth paste, body wash), food items, children's items and games, paper towels, 60 gallon trash bags, pet items and canned pet food will also be greatly appreciated.
Other items will be taken to Dakin Humane Center, Salvation Army and other local organizations directly involved with Tornado Relief services. Call (413) 318-0141 for more information.
Fancy That Antiques of Monson offers to aid tornado victims
From Christian Lund, Fancy That Antiques:
I am donating half of the antique merchandise up for Auction in Monson in my store to help the tornado victims.I would like to also get the word out that if anyone has the following items, Old wrist watches, pocket watches, any sort of gold, silver, old coins, fine estate jewelry, old post cards, and costume jewelry. Any of these items that I buy, I will pay them and extra 15% towards Local Tornado Victims. For information call 413 599 4705
Wilbraham Red Robin to host "10%" night
From Facebook:
We are going to be having a 10% night at the Wilbraham Red Robin on June 16th, 2011 from 5 to 9 pm. 10% of everyone's total bill will be donated to the people affected by the tornado in Brimfield and Monson, to be donated directly to Monson First Church and Brimfield Congregational. We need all the help we can get so SPREAD THE WORD !!