Kansas Storms Update

To the KO Conference…

I’m Kelly Hansen, the Kansas Conference Disaster Recovery Coordinator. We’ve recently heard from Laura, the Oklahoma Conference Disaster Recovery Coordinator about storms and storm damage in Oklahoma.  Kansas now has had tornado and storm damage as well.  I’ve attended the first Kansas VOAD discussions related to responding to the Westmoreland City and Pottawatomie County damage. 

I would echo what Laura shared in terms of donations of physical items—please do not send additional items at this time.  Donations management is always a challenge at locations of disasters, and the City of Westmoreland is already bursting with physical donations.  Please do not show up in the location uninvited.  Groups of volunteers respond through coordinated efforts.

Monetary donations are always appropriate to reputable organizations like the Red Cross, United Way, and other church-based organizations like our own Disaster Recovery Ministry, Catholic Charities, UMCOR, Salvation Army, etc. You may want to specify donations to be offered and disbursed in the specific area like Westmoreland.  Some organizations already use targeted donations, however not all do.  One note of caution related to financial donations-please be aware of who is soliciting donations-it could be someone for a particular family or group solely, or it could be an opportunist.  The KS VOAD works diligently to offer equitable support for survivors and will be working to ensure needs are met for all through a variety of options including grants. 

Local UCC churches who might be supporting immediate needs can apply for the Solidarity Grant. Please be in touch with me or our conference minister Lorraine before applying for this grant.  I will gladly support you in the process.  The UCC also has longer term grant opportunities. This is where the UCC really shines—when many others have moved on to the next disaster, yet needs remain, the UCC continues to be engaged in long term recovery support.   You can find out more here:   https://app.smarterselect.com/programs/94267-United-Church-Of-Christ

Communication after a disaster often comes from a variety of organizations with many offers or solicitations of donations or volunteers, and even from various departments within local government.  The local county and city disaster recovery managers are asking that information is accessed through their two websites: www.pottcounty.org or http://www.cityofwestmorelandks.org/.  They are in ongoing communication with one another in order that the same information is being shared.  Likewise, if there are offers of donations, please let me know and I will be in touch with the persons delegated as donations management (both physical and volunteer donations).

Thank you for your desire to support our communities in need.