Act Locally Waco: West - A few updates as of May 1, 2013
Thornton, Ashley
West Update – May 1, 2013
May 4 - Volunteer Opportunity: Ring Bells to Raise Money for West
On Saturday, May 4th, Richland Mall has asked the Salvation Army to ring bells all over the mall to raise money for the Disaster Relief Fund for West. We need people to volunteer this Saturday to man 13 outside doors at the mall. Shifts run from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
(In some instances we can schedule shorter shifts depending on the volunteer response).
If you, your family and/or your friends would like to volunteer to help out, please respond by Thursday noon via email to jennif...@uss.salvationarmy.org or call 254-756-7271. We will work with you on your schedule, etc. Click here for more details: Letter From Major Dan Ford, Salvation Army
Red Cross Update
As those who had homes damaged or destroyed in West continue to work on their long term recovery plans, the Red Cross will continue to be of assistance, and in some cases, provide the means for families to rent new homes, replace prescription medications and eyeglasses along with other services. The Joint Assistance Center in West at 2547 Jerry Mashek Road will be open through Friday, May 3. After that, services will still remain available by calling the help hotline at (254) 826-7550 or the Red Cross Heart of Texas at (800) 733-2767. <Press Release>
Updates from City of West (www.cityofwest.com)
The City of West is posting regular updates on their webpage. The April 30 update includes the following information about the Long Term Recovery Committee:
The Long-Term Recovery Committee (LTRC) is being formed to implement the Long-Term Recovery Plan. Several positions are open. If you have the experience, the time, the passion or know someone who would be a great fit for one of these positions, call Karen Bernsen at 254-432-2487 or email your resume to kar...@cityofwest.com. These positions need to be filled as soon as possible for the short-term of 60-90 days. As the Long-Term Recovery Plan is further defined, there will be an extended need, possibly 3-5 years, which could have split terms. Regardless of the projected recovery period, we need help right away. Keep in mind these job descriptions are very basic and not at all complete. Please consider where you may have time or talent to give to this recovery effort. Currently there are nine of the twelve positions open. Listed below are the jobs for which we have an immediate need:
- Reconstruction Manager – This person may be handling permits, zoning requests, re-construction and new construction project/volunteer coordination, materials, equipment, etc.
- Communications Manager – This person may be responsible for keeping the public informed of the recovery progress, social media monitoring, media coordination, WordPress design and layout.
- Database Manager – This person will maintain the data for the recovery such as volunteer hours, volunteer individuals and organizations, impacted property/homeowner data.
- Accounting and Finance Manager – This person will be responsible for maintaining accurate records and all financial matters related to the recovery.
For the rest of the April 30 update, click here: April 30 update, City of West
Ways to Give to Support West Community:
There are many opportunities to give money, here are a few:
· West, Texas, Disaster Relief Efforts - Fund set up by Rapoport, Cooper and Waco Foundations. Visit Waco Foundation’s website, www.wacofoundation.org, and click the “West, Texas Disaster Relief Efforts Fund” link on the homepage. Direct Link: http://www.wacofoundation.org/NewsEvents/ViewArticle/tabid/164/smid/605/ArticleID/82/reftab/36/Default.aspx
· Baylor - Online giving portal on the Baylor University website: www.baylor.edu/relief/give.
· Knights of Columbus Charities: https://www.kofc.org/giving/Donate.action?charityType=WTXDRF&lang=EN&donorType=US
· Texas Farm Bureau - http://txagtalks.texasfarmbureau.org/lets-help-west-residents-get-back-on-their-feet/
· United Way - 14 of the 19 United Way member agencies are directly or indirectly involved in the West disaster. They each are playing a different role—from counseling to meals to day care, as examples. The United Way board will accept funds specifically to help our member agencies provide direct services to West residents. The board is witnessing “financial stress” by some and supporting our agencies “over and beyond” is our goal at this time. The board also sees needs to be met well into the next several months. If people wish to donate for this specific purpose, they can call our office at 254 752 2753 email homert...@unitedwaywaco.org .
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· Point West Bank, 200 W. Oak St, West, Texas 76691 (http://www.pointwestbank.com/)
o Victims of West Explosion Fund (General Donations)
o Disaster Relief for West ISD
o Disaster Relief for West EMS
o Disaster Relief for West FD
o Disaster Relief for West Rest Haven
o Scholarship Fund for Parker Pustejovsky
o Scholarship Fund for Buck Uptmore’s Children
o West Fire Department Special Victims Fund
· State National Bank, 100 N. Main Street, West, Texas 76691 (http://www.snbwest.com/)
o West Disaster Relief Fund (General Donations)
o West ISD Disaster Relief Fund
o West Rest Haven Relief Fund
o West Volunteer Firefighter Fund (For Firefighter victims and families)
o West EMS Special Victims Fund (For EMS victims and families)
o Doug Snokhaus Memorial Fund
o Robert Snokhaus Memorial Fund