Some of the local farmers and CSA's to our south were hard hit by the recent flooding.

This provides updated information about donation drops and how to volunteer.

Today Only: Tuesday, Dec. 11 from 2-6 pm, there is a donation truck at Mega Foods, 700 Trosper Road, Tumwater, WA.

FLOOD RELIEF – Updated Needs:

Financial contributions are being collected by the United Way in Lewis County. Call (360) 748-8100 to contribute by Master Card or Visa, or mail or drop off your check (earmarked for flood relief) to United Way, 450 Pacific Avenue, Chehalis, WA 98532, or to United Way, 463 N. Market Blvd., Chehalis, WA 98532. Note: The United Way, Lewis County, is applying 100% of financial donations to the flood victims and relief effort. Money ( cash-checks-Visa-MasterCard) is desperately needed, please specify “ear-mark for flood relief.”

Important: Used clothing is NO longer being accepted by United Way or the Thurston County Food Bank. There is too much to be sorted and cleaned. New clothing items are requested (especially underwear and socks—all sizes (M/F), pajamas, and warm coats and jackets).

Today, Most Urgently Needed Items Are:

First Aid:

· First Aid Kits

· Bandages (all sizes)

· Gauze

· Hand Sanitizers!!

· Neosporin / Common Meds

Mop-Up / Cleaning:

· Flat / Snow Shovels

· 40-Gallon Garbage Bags

· Shop Towels

· Bleach (no additives)

· Rubber Storage Containers

· Extension Cords

· Push Brooms

· Latex/Rubber Gloves

· Cotton Face Masks

· Carpet/Box Cutting Knives

· Garden Hoses/Nozzles

· Volunteers with Power Washers

· Volunteers with Wheel Barrows

· Propane Heaters

· Generators

· Space Heaters

· Dish Soap

Personal Hygiene:

· Feminine Hygiene Products

· Shampoo

· Toothbrushes /Toothpaste

· Bar Soap

Miscellaneous / Clothing:

· Pre-Paid Cell Phones

· Paper Towels / Toilet Paper

· New Kid's Socks

· New Underwear (all sizes)

· New - Warm Coats/Parkas

· Rubber Boots (all sizes)

· New - Warm PJ's

· Rain Gear

· Diapers

· Laundry Soap / Dish Soap

· Hand Soap

· 2" Clear Packaging Tape

· Zip Lock Bags

· New - Warm Blankets

· Flashlights

· Size ‘D’ Batteries

· Paper Cups/Plates

Food:

· Canned Fruit

· Canned Tuna, Chicken, Meats

· Bottled Water

· Non-Perishable Foods

Regular Thurston County Donation Drop-Off Information:

1. Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) at 1212 Jefferson St. SE, Olympia, continues to accept all donations, M-F from 8-5 pm (see list above).
2. Thurston County Food Bank: Donations: Food and new or new clothing (only) are welcomed at 220 Thurston St., in downtown Olympia, M-F from 8-4. Specify donations are for flood relief.
3. KGY radio and the Salvation Army: Have teamed up to route non-perishable foods, water, household items, and money to Grays Harbor and Pacific Counties. Drop off items and cash/checks at the radio station, 1700 Marine Dr. N. in Olympia (Port of Olympia). For information, call 943-1240.

If you’re traveling to Lewis County, you may also take donation items, directly, to the Carpenters' Hall in Centralia at 417 N. Pearl.

To Volunteer:

Volunteers are needed to sort donations and work crews are urgently needed on a continuing basis to help with cleanup. Contact the Volunteer Coordination Center at (360) 740-7744 for information or to schedule a work party.

Or, as an individual, just show up (9-6) to volunteer at 463 N. Market Blvd., Chehalis, WA (directions: From I-5 South, Exit #77, go left and over freeway about 6-8 blocks and turn left onto Market, then go 4-5 blocks and see United Way building on the right, next to a bank).

It is suggested that you ensure your tetanus shot is up to date (should be renewed every 10 years), and if you intend to help with mop-up, wear warm clothes (perhaps a raincoat), rubber boots and bring water-proof gloves and cotton masks.

New Unwrapped Toy Drop Off Location

734 S Market Blvd., Chehalis, WA

Anything to do with Live Animals

Patti Kaija, 748-4221 (work) or 508-0515 (cell)

Other Helpful Information for Those In Need of Immediate Assistance:

· FEMA: 800-621-3362 for Disaster Assistance / www.fema.gov

· SBA Disaster Relief: 800-669-2955 for Customer Service / www.sba.gov

· Centralia-Chehalis Storm-Related Updates: www.chamberway.com

· Lewis County Unemployment Assistance: 360-748-2360

· American Red Cross response and to donate directly, please call 206-323-2345 or go to www.seattleredcross.org.