Monetary donations for disaster relief offer most flexibility in providing help

The tornadoes that struck Christian County on Dec. 1 have tugged at the heartstrings of many local communities and interest groups. 

While there is no doubt that the affected communities will have a long road to recovery, state and local officials have an urgent warning for those who are currently collecting donations for tornado survivors.

“Words cannot express our gratitude for the generosity of our friends and neighbors in this time of need,” said Taylorville Mayor Bruce Barry. 

“But at this time, please refrain from sending unsolicited items such as toys, clothes or other materials. The time will come when these items are needed, but at this time our critical need is for monetary donations.”

Mass deliveries of donations require agencies to redirect valuable resources away from the critical core life-safety missions for donation management.  

Monetary donations allow the most flexibility in obtaining timely resources and pumps cash into the local economy that helps strengthen a community.

Following a disaster, many people express interest in helping those impacted by the event. 

Acting Illiois Emergency Management Agency director William Robertson suggests it is best to volunteer time or money through a reputable disaster relief organization. 

The National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (www.nvoad.org) maintains a national database of voluntary and charitable organizations involved in a variety of activities, including emergency preparedness and response throughout the nation.

“When a disaster strikes, voluntary organizations help people in their community, region or across the country,” said Robertson. 

“Volunteer organizations play a vital role in ensuring the long-term recovery of a community affected by a disaster.”

For those looking to make a monetary donation, Missions for Taylorville will be the only outlet collecting for this disaster relief effort. 

The address is Missions for Taylorville, c/o City Hall, 115 N. Main St., Taylorville, Ill. 62568.

The Gazette-Democrat

112 Lafayette St.
Anna, Illinois 62906
Office Number: (618) 833-2158
Email: news@annanews.com

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