In response to the recent hurricanes impacting communities in the Southeast, numerous local organizations are actively working to provide much-needed relief to affected residents. To streamline and enhance awareness of these efforts, we are consolidating individual stories into a comprehensive overview. As information is received we will update this post.
If you or your organization are participating in relief activities, we invite you to share your initiatives with us by emailing publisher@thevillagereporter.com. Together, we can amplify our collective impact and support those in need. -Forrest R. Church, Publisher
Williams County Accepting Donations For Hurricane Relief
October 11th, 2024
Link: Williams County Accepting Donations For Hurricane Relief (thevillagereporter.com)
(PHOTO BY RENEA KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
HURRICANE RELIEF … Current Office Solutions and the Rummel family donated $1,000 in seed money to start an account at F&M Bank for hurricane relief. Pictured from left to right: Williams County Commissioner Bart Westfall, Kayla Wyse of Williams County OSU Extension, Williams County Commissioner Lewis Hilkert, Jake Willey of F&M Bank, Williams County Commissioner Terry Rummel (also of Current Office Solutions), Teresa Thompson, and Penny Rummel.
By: Renea Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
renea@thevillagereporter.com
On Tuesday, the Williams County Commissioners approved the placement of a trailer at the East Annex parking lot. Williams County OSU Extension seeks support to assist those impacted by Hurricane Helene.
They are collaborating with Ag Community Relief to deliver primarily agricultural supplies to individuals in the Southern regions affected by the hurricane’s devastation.
“Our main focus is on the agricultural community in these areas,” said Kayla Wyse from Williams County OSU Extension.
According to Wyse, the trailer will remain in position until October 23. Subsequently, once it is loaded with supplies, it will be transported south.
Two other trailers will also be at Ace Hardware in Wauseon and the old Edon fire station. Wyse also mentioned that they have a warehouse established in Tennessee.
The following items are currently being accepted:
•Dog/Cat Food
•Bagged Hay & Square Bales of Horse Quality
•Wood Shavings
•Wheelbarrows
•All Kind of Gloves
•Walkie-Talkies
•Solar Lights
•Solar Generators
•Solar Power Banks
•Shovels
•Hammers
•Battery Powdered Drills
•Respirators & PPE Gear
•Power Washers
•Buckets
•Water Troughs
•Feed Troughs
•Rakes
•Garbage Bags
•Paper Towels
•Disinfectant
•Cattle & Horse Feed
•Wood Pallets
•Battery Powered Chainsaws
•Zip Ties
•Fencing Tools
Monetary donations can also be made to an account created at F&M Bank. Notably, the account has received a generous contribution of $1,000 in seed money from Current Office Solutions and the Terry Rummel family.
Last week, Karie McDonald from Williams County OSU Extension provided an update to the commissioners, stating that Fulton County has pledged 250 bales of straw to contribute to the relief effort.
Additionally, she informed the commissioners that OSU Extension is actively engaging with various 4-H and FFA clubs in the county to mobilize support in raising supplies. McDonald emphasized the pressing need for monetary contributions, citing the logistical challenges of transporting supplies to the affected areas.
Edgerton’s Troop 29G BSA Launches Cleaning Supply Drive For North Carolina Residents
October 11, 2024
Link: Edgerton’s Troop 29G BSA Launches Cleaning Supply Drive For North Carolina Residents (thevillagereporter.com)
Edgerton, October 9, 2024 — Troop 29G of the Boy Scouts of America is spearheading a community effort to support North Carolina residents by collecting cleaning supplies.
With a goal of filling 25 buckets with essential cleaning items by November 1, 2024, the troop is calling on the generosity of the Edgerton community.
Items can be dropped off at the Edgerton United Methodist Church. The troop is asking for donations of various cleaning supplies to help those affected by recent challenges in North Carolina.
Sandy Wood, a troop leader, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, “We are eager to make a positive impact and help those in need. The community’s support is vital to reach our goal.”
For more information or to contribute, please contact Troop 29G or visit their collection site at the Edgerton United Methodist Church.
Red Cross: Donors Vital In Response To Hurricane Helene Impact
October 10, 2024
Link: Red Cross: Donors Vital In Response To Hurricane Helene Impact (thevillagereporter.com)
INDIANA, Oct. 8, 2024 — The American Red Cross continues to work to restock critically needed blood products uncollected due to the ongoing impact of Hurricane Helene’s devastation in the Southeast.
Donors outside of affected areas are encouraged to make an appointment to give now and help keep the blood supply stable in the weeks to come.
Since making landfall, the storm and its aftermath have led to the cancellation of more than 100 blood drives, causing thousands of blood and platelet donations to go uncollected.
For so many people living with urgent medical care needs, blood transfusions are essential, and donations in the Southeast are key to keeping our nationwide network stocked.
The Red Cross operates through a national inventory with the ability to move blood wherever and whenever it is needed most.
The time to give blood is now. Bring hope to those in need by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.
As the Red Cross continues to urge people to give blood now, our teams are also on the ground providing vital relief − like food, water, shelter and support − in communities devastated by Hurricane Helene.
If you’re able to help those impacted by disasters big and small across the country, like Helene, please consider making a gift of any amount.
All who come to give blood, platelets or plasma Oct. 1-31 will receive a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card by email, plus be automatically entered for a chance to win one of three $5,000 gift cards. For full details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Treat.
Upcoming blood donation opportunities:
Defiance County
Defiance – 10/14/2024: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Defiance Elementary School, 400 Carter Road; 10/17/2024: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Promedica Defiance Regional Hospital, 1200 Ralston Ave; 10/18/2024: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Auglaize Village, 12296 Krouse Rd; 10/22/2024: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Defiance College, 701 North Clinton
Ney – 10/10/2024: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m., Ney First Church of God, 03413 State Route 15
Williams County
Bryan – 10/10/2024: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Knights of Columbus Bryan, 1216 Buffalo Road
How to donate blood:
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients.
A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood.
High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive.
To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families.
The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
Local Fulton County Churches Launch Donation Drive To Aid Hurricane Helene Victims
October 9, 2024
By: Forrest R. Church, Publisher
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
WAUSEON – In response to the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene on North Carolina communities, local churches in Wauseon and surrounding communities have organized a donation drive to provide much-needed relief.
Led by Josh Graber, the youth pastor at True North Church, this initiative seeks to gather essential supplies to support the recovery efforts in West Jefferson, NC, and its surrounding areas.
True North Church is collaborating with Pettisville Missionary Church and North Clinton Church to collect donations. Pastor Graber has been in direct communication with the West Jefferson town office to ensure that the items collected align with the most urgent needs of the community.
“We have been given an extensive list of what is needed to help with the devastation,” Graber explained. “Our community has the opportunity to make a significant difference in the lives of those affected.”
Community members are encouraged to donate a variety of items, which will be collected until October 28th. The list includes essential supplies such as diapers, cleaning supplies, non-perishable foods, toiletries, and wipes. Additional items needed are protein foods, individual chip and cracker packages, baby food and formula, towels, washcloths, paper products, water, hand sanitizer, and candles.
More substantial items like blankets, brooms, extension cords, shop vacs, fans, trash bags, shovels, chainsaws, and generators are also welcomed.
Donations can be dropped off at True North Church, Pettisville Missionary Church, or North Clinton Church. The collected items will be transported to the affected areas in North Carolina shortly after the collection deadline.
Graber is also reaching out to the community via social media, asking residents to share the donation drive information on Facebook and other platforms to raise awareness and encourage participation.
The churches involved hope to see a strong turnout from the Wauseon community, demonstrating compassion and solidarity with those in need.
For further information, or to get involved, community members can contact Josh Graber directly at True North Church by calling (419) 335-8783 or his cell at (567) 454-2799.
Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts Taking Place Locally
Oct. 7, 2024
Link: Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts Taking Place Locally (thevillagereporter.com)
(PHOTO BY JACOB KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
LYONS… A table was set up at the Lyons Farmers Market on Saturday, October 5th. This photo shows supplies that had been collected just shortly after the market had begun.
(PHOTO PROVIDED / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
LOCAL AID … Supplies have been getting collected in Wauseon to send down and help victims of Hurricane Helene. These supplies in Wauseon have been collected at Key Elements Comics. A huge amount of support has been seen, leading to a large amount of supplies being collected.
By: Jacob Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jacob@thevillagereporter.com
Local organizations are currently looking to help those who have been victims of Hurricane Helene. Many areas have been devastated by flooding, especially in the state of North Carolina. The death toll has continued to rise since the arrival of Helene.
According to officials, hundreds of roads had been made inaccessible due to the flooding which has hampered efforts to assist residents.
Many residents who live in areas of higher elevation have relied on private individuals with helicopters to provide them with supplies or rescue them.
Governor DeWine has also activated the Ohio National Guard to support the State of North Carolina. One CH47 helicopter and six soldiers from Company B, 3rd Battalion, 238th Aviation Regiment were sent to provide air movement of supplies, equipment, and personnel.
A statement released by the Governor’s Office states, “Ohio is answering the call to help Governor Cooper and North Carolina in its recovery,” said Governor DeWine. “In the aftermath of this storm, many roads are blocked or completely washed away, so this aerial support will be crucial in getting resources where they’re needed the most.”
Efforts to help victims of Helene have also appeared locally. Several groups have planned relief trailers that will help supply victims with items needed to survive after the devastation.
Other efforts have been set up that include monetary donations which will be sent to organizations, like Samaritan’s Purse, that are local to the areas that were hit.
Posts made on social media have shown a huge amount of support from local community members. One such example is a trailer being filled with hurricane relief items in Swanton.
This trailer has been filled up with items and will filled even more so by items that were collected at Key Elements Comics in Wauseon.
The Fayette Fire Department has also shared a call for supplies after being asked by an organization looking to send two trucks with a 40-foot trailer down to the area.
According to the fire department, they had received a good amount of support thus far, with others posting their intention to help on social media.
Bryan Truck Line Supports Hurricane Victims Through Donation Drop-Off
(PHOTO PROVIDED / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
DONATED ITEMS … Pictured is Heather Valdez and Denise Dean going through some of the items donated by the community.
By: Breana Reliford
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
MONTPELIER– Bryan Truck Line of Montpelier, OH, is currently taking donations to support the victims of Hurricane Helene in North Carolina.
Founded in 1948, Bryan Truck Line has been known for their reliability, extensive transportation routes, and impeccable customer service.
Now, they are adding “disaster-relief supporters” to that list. They are currently holding donation drop-offs for those who wish to contribute locally to the victims of Hurricane Helene.
Hurricane Helene survivors endured a week of destruction, damage, and devastation. Now, they are dealing with the aftermath.
In some areas, cities or communities are completely destroyed. In others, some lost their houses or cars. Because of this, Bryan Truck Line, in connection with Operation Compassion, is looking to donate as many resources as possible.
The donation period will range from October 9 to October 21. They are looking to collect a variety of items, such as paper towels, toilet paper, cleaning supplies, trash bags, new blankets, sheets, and pillows, pet food, baby formula, baby food, paper plates, cups, and flatware.
Hygiene products they need include soap, shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, feminine products, baby wipes, and diapers. Food items needed include canned goods (with the pull top), tuna and chicken foil packs, peanut butter, protein bars, bottled water, Boost, Ensure, and Gatorade.
Due to a lack of power in some areas, they are also reaching out for generators, tarps, zip ties, duct tape, rope, flashlights, lanterns, and batteries.
The drop-off location will be at the Bryan Truck Line South Building, 14020 US Highway 20A, Montpelier, OH, between the hours of 8am-5pm.
For those wishing to make monetary donations, checks should be made payable to: theChurch Maumee, 3000 Strayer Road, Maumee, OH 43537; Memo Line: Hurricane Relief
Ron Dean of Bryan Truck Line shared that the community has been very supportive in their efforts so far, and he hopes to continue seeing a great turnout.
For more information, contact Bryan Truck Line at 419-485-8373 or visit their Facebook page.
Bryan Lions Club Donates Brooms To Hurricane Helene Relief Effort
(PHOTO PROVIDED / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
RELIEF EFFORTS … On Wednesday October 9th, the Bryan Lions Club donated a package of Lions Club kitchen brooms to the Hurricane Helene Relief effort. Shown in the photo are Bryan Lions Club President Larry Harsila and Bryan Lions Club members Tom and Pam Barnes.
