Recovery efforts are underway from devastating floods in southwest Wisconsin and are drawing donations and volunteers from all over the state.
Record rainfalls over the weekend, and continued rain this week, have led to flooding and landslides in La Crosse, Vernon, Crawford, Richland and other counties in Wisconsin and Minnesota. Hundreds of people have been displaced and entire towns evacuated. Seven deaths have been reported so far in southeast Minnnesota. Three people were killed by lightning in Madison Wednesday.
The Valley Stewardship Network and Kickapoo Valley Association have contacted the Emergency Management representatives of the two counties and are assisting in food collection. Non-perishable food products can be brought to a variety of collection points in the area by 5 p.m. Aug. 24 and the two groups will deliver the food to distribution points. For more on this effort, people from outside the area can call (608) 637-3615 or go to www.kickapoovsn.org.
Emergency notices also are being posted at Driftless Writers Blog at oldschoolcollectibles.com.
Emergency government agencies have been working with state agencies and FEMA since Sunday. Gov. Jim Doyle toured the area earlier this week and declared it a disaster area.
Concerns are high for several dams in the area. Evacuation was ordered Sunday for Avalanche and Bloomingdale, two small, remote communities.
A list of relief efforts follows:
The American Red Cross is requesting money to help area flood victims. To make a donation, call 1-800-HELP-NOW.
Vernon County Emergency Management will collect money for flood victims at two locations. Money can be sent to Bethel Butikk, Food Pantry and Thrift Shop, 341 Blackhawk Ave. Westby, WI 54667; or American Red Cross, 2927 S. Losey Blvd., La Crosse, WI 54601. Designate your donation for “flood victims.”
Houston County Women’s Resources will hold a donation drive to assist residents of Houston County affected by the flood. Donations will be given to families in need. Items for donation include cleaning products, blankets and bedding, personal care items, non-perishable food items, and gift cards for grocery, department and hardware stores. The donations can be dropped off at The Houston County Women’s Resources Office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. at 114 Main St. Hokah, Minn. For more information, call (507) 894-2676.
Catholic Charities is organizing a relief effort for people in the flooded areas of La Crosse, Vernon, Crawford and Richland counties. Send donations, to Catholic Charities of the Diocese of La Crosse, Flood Relief, P.O. Box 266, La Crosse, WI 54602-0266.
Curves in La Crescent, Minn., is holding two silent auctions for Lynn and Sharon Parington, who lost their home in the Brownsville, Minn., mudslide. The first is from Aug. 27 through Sept. 15. The second is from Sept. 16 to 30. To donate items, call Theresa Skiles at (507) 895-5700.
