How to help with tornado relief efforts in Western Massachusetts.
TORNADO RELIEF:
Here is a list of events and other relief efforts to provide help for victims of the tornadoes in Western Massachusetts.
June 25: Motorcycle run, Quaboag Riders Motorcycle Club, King Avenue, Monson, registration 9 a.m., $10 per person, free kids 12 and younger, daylong activities at club. Contact Ron Guertin, (413) 267-4414 or (413) 893-9303.
Through June 25: Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, PeoplesBank and New England Public Radio, WFCR and WNNZ, fund-raise, bank will match every pledge to the radio stations with $10 donation to the foundation's tornado relief fun up to $25,000, call (800) 639-8850, send a check to New England Public Radio (WFCR and WNNZ) Hampshire House, 131 County Circle, Amherst, MA 01003, online www.communityfoundation.org
June 27: "Good Spirits" fund-raiser, Greater Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau and Massachusetts Restaurant Association, 6-10 p.m., Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House, Holyoke, food, entertainment and cash bar, welcomes anyone affiliated with the hospitality industry, $20 benefits Massachusetts Statewide Disaster Relief Fund, tickets available online, www.valleyvisitor.com, non-perishable food and toiletries will be accepted for donation to the Salvation Army.
June 29: The First Congregational Church at 20 Lathrop St. in West Springfield will have a special prayer service and free supper at 6 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. respectively. There will be a free-will offering to aid those victims of the tornado. Parking for the event will be at the Senior Center next door to the church on 128 Park Street. Door of the church will open at 5:00 PM for those wanting to have solitude and peace before the service begins.
July 3: An “Inter-dependence day" community healing event will include massage therapists and other healing-arts practitioners as they tend to the public from noon to 5 p.m. in the auditorium of West Springfield Town Hall, located at 26 Central Street. According to organizers, the intention among the practitioners is to use their skills, knowledge and training to support and healing as many of them "have specific training and experience in dealing with trauma and in supporting individuals who are experiencing mild, moderate or severe symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder." For more information, email Kristen Avonti at kavonti@yahoo.com.
Ongoing: Holyoke Mall at Ingleside is partnered with the Springfield Rescue Mission to collect non-perishable items, including bottled water, iced tea mix, lemonade mix, bread, peanut butter, jelly and jam and sugar, paper good like plates, cups, napkins, paper towels, plastic flatware and plastic sandwich bags, work gloves, sunblock, heavy duty trash bags, hand sanitizer, new underwear and socks for men, women and children, basic toiletry items, gift cards for gas and food, donations accepted at customer service center in the lower level of Sears Court, weekday and Saturdays, 10 a.m.-9.:30 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Ongoing: Volunteers and those wishing to donate clean-up supplies are being encourages to work through the Federal Emergency Management Agency National Donation's Management System's website, www.aidmatrixnetwork.org/FEMA
Ongoing: Household items and furniture in new or like-new condition, canned foods and dry goods, drop-off, 47 Capital Drive, WEst Springfield, weekdays 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., weekends, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., for information contact Rose Evans, (413) 737-2679 (office), (413) 519-5468 (cell), email to revans@chd.org, or online www.chd.org
Ongoing: L.E. Belcher convenience stores and gas stations, monetary donations for American Red Cross, includes Shell outlets in Springfield, Citgo in Westfield and Irving station on Tapley Street, Springfield.
To be included on this listing, send email to news@repub.com and include "tornado relief" in subject line.
HOW TO HELP
Here are some of the agencies which are accepting financial and other contributions to assist with tornado-relief efforts across Western Massachusetts:
• American Red Cross
Send financial contributions to the American Red Cross Pioneer Valley Chapter, 506 Cottage St., Springfield, MA 01104; online donations, www.redcross.org, text "REDCROSS" to 90999, $10 minimum, or call (800) RED- CROSS.
• Salvation Army
A monetary donation can be made online at www.salvationarmy-ma.org; text "TSAMA10" to 85944, minimum $10 donation; volunteers may call (339) 502-5900.
• United Way
Coordinating all volunteers for tornado-relief efforts; go online to www.uwpv.org and click on the "Donate" button, or mail checks payable to United Way of Pioneer Valley to: 184 Mill St., Springfield, MA 01108; also call (413) 693-0227; volunteers can also dial 2-1-1 to find out where help is needed.
• Food Bank of Western Massachusetts
To make food drive and financial donations to aid tornado victims, go online to www.foodbankwma.org
• Open Pantry:
Provides emergency food and other services; to make a donation, go online to www.openpantry.org
• Catholic Charities
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
• ABC40/FOX6
ABC40 and FOX6 have teamed up with United Bank to provide tornado relief. Donations accepted at any United Bank location in central or Western Massachusetts. For more information, go to www.wggb.com
ONGOING RESOURCES / REQUESTS
Obama declares disaster area
The president's declaration of a federal disaster area in Hampden and Worcester counties means the federal government will pay for the majority of the storm-related costs for Springfield and other eligible communities, state agencies and nonprofit organizations.
The register for federal aid, call (800) 621-FEMA or (800) 621-3362. The TTY line number for the hearing impaired is (800) 462-7585. Or, register online at disasterassistance.gov.
Russo said phone numbers go to a phone bank that is open from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. daily.
Springfield residents affected by tornado to receive tax breaks
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno announced today that property owners with significant damage to parcels with buildings located in the path of the June 1 tornado will receive reductions in their Fiscal Year 2012 preliminary tax bills. Personnel from the City’s Assessors Department are visiting each of the affected parcels in the tornado path, recording data and taking photographs. This activity will continue for several weeks and will be reflected in the new valuations. Residents with any questions about their assessment or tax bill can call the customer service call center at 3-1-1 or (413) 736-3111.
Springfield Partners for Community Action provide free tax session for affected homeowners
Springfield Partners will provide free tax information sessions for homeowners who have suffered property loss from the June 1 tornadoes. These sessions will cover the IRS casualty loss deduction rules and regulations. Sessions are from 10 to 10:30 a.m. on Friday June 24, and Wednesday June 29, at Springfield Partners for Community Action, 721 State St., 2nd Floor. Homeowners with tornado property damages may benefit from these deduction rules when filing next year’s or amending last year’s federal tax returns.
To reserve a seat or for more information, call 413-263-6500 or visit www.springfieldpartnersinc.com.
Rebuilding Together helps rebuild tornado-damaged homes in city, for free
Ongoing: Rebuilding Together, Springfield affiliate will rebuild homes in the city for low-income families impacted by the tornadoes, so they may live in an affordable and preserved home, years after the wreckage has disappeared. To make a financial donation please mail to Rebuilding Together, 1145 Main Street, Suite 111, Springfield, MA 01103, Attn: Tornado Recovery. For more information please visit www.rebuildingtogtherspringfield.org
WMass Jewish Federation and United Way team up for tornado relief
The Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts is partnering with the United Way to aid tornado victims. To make a financial donation, go online to www.jewishwesternmass.org, or mail checks payable to JFWM with “Tornado Relief” in the note section, 1160 Dickinson Street, Springfield, MA 01108.
For more information, call (413) 737-4313. In addition, Rachel’s Table, the Federation’s hunger relief program, is organizing a special food drive and deliveries to support local agencies which are helping tornado victims.
Rachel’s Table is collecting non-perishable food; specific items that are needed are canned goods with flip tops that do not need to be cooked, peanut butter, and nutrition bars. Food can be dropped off at the Federation office, 1160 Dickinson Street, Springfield. Rachel’s Table is also collecting monetary donations to be used to purchase food for the agencies directly serving tornado victims. To make a monetary donation for this effort, checks should be made payable to Rachel’s Table with “Tornado Relief” in the note section, and sent the above address.
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!
Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation’s Boston Service Center accepting applications for financial aid
From Springfield Partners for Community Action: The Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation’s Boston Service Center will accept applications for emergency financial aid from homeowners whose houses sustained damage from the tornado on Saturday, June 25, at 1 p.m. at Springfield Partners for Community Action, 721 State St., 2nd Floor.
Emergency financial aid will range from $200 to $500 per homeowner. Residents need to bring proof of address and their Red Cross case number to this sign-up session. Spanish translators will be available.
For more information, call 413-263-6500.
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 regular trips to Monson to help clear trees and debris.
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.
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.
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 June 15
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.
Springfield releases emergency information sheet
BUSINESS EVENTS / COLLECTIONS / DONATIONS
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.
The event will be held on Sunday, July 2 from 12-5 in the auditorium at the West Springfield Town Hall (26 central st.).
Inter-Dependence Day Community Healing Event
When tragedy like this hits home, it affects ALL of us. From those who lost something, or everything, to those who lost their life. From the emergency and relief workers who give of themselves endlessly, to those who stand in shock, unable to move. From those who feel the call to action to rise up and be part of the healing, to those who think they will never feel safe again.
The effects of trauma stretch far and wide and run deeply through all of us. The trauma experienced by our community during the tornado affects both the individuals that make up our community and our community as a whole. The efforts that have poured forth to support our community and rebuild all that was lost have been tremendous and inspiring. But the piece of rebuilding that has been somewhat neglected is the rebuilding of our internal sense of safety, security and internal peace. Most often when we are affected by trauma, the impacts remain dormant for weeks, months or years. But the effects do eventually creep back up, unless that place of healing occurs. Let unattended, it can impact our ability to function in a healthy and holistic way, both as individuals and as a community.
As someone who was born and raised in West Springfield and as someone whose family has lived in West Springfield for many generations, this tragedy hit home in a particularly poignant way. It was clear to me in the aftermath of the tornado that I was called to give back to the community that has always been my home in a way that felt large and significant. Together with a group of amazing healing arts practitioners and mental health professionals, I am coordinating an event to bring some of this healing into our communities. On July 3, 2011 we are putting together a “Inter-dependence day community healing event”. Massage therapists and other healing arts practitioners have volunteered to offer their services to the community at no charge. Mental health professionals have volunteered to be available for individual support and to run support groups. The intent among all of the practitioners is to use their skills, knowledge and training to support individuals in processing and healing the trauma they experienced. Many of our practitioners have specific training and experience in dealing with trauma and in supporting individuals who are experiencing mild, moderate or severe symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder. It is important to all of us that we bring this healing not only to the victims who were directly and significantly impacted by this but also to the community at large. In addition, there is a strong desire to encourage the police, fire and emergency services workers as well as the red cross and other volunteers who have given endlessly of themselves to process some of their own trauma that they no doubt experienced during both the initial event and the aftermath. Too often these individuals, who stand as a pillar of strength and light in times of disaster, are the last to acknowledge that they too were deeply and profoundly impacted by the experience. They too seek the chance to be taken care of and healed.
In the aftermath of the tornado I have seen the most amazing, breathtaking and awe-inspiring coming together of community that I perhaps have ever witnessed. The collective capacity to give selflessly to those affected by this tragedy has been beautiful to say the least. I am, time and time again, amazed by the capacity of our community to coordinate donation drives and put together work teams to clean up the mess. Out of the ashes of destruction, our collective heart and inter-dependent community has risen. Let’s help make this an opportunity to heal our community!