The Iowa flooding

Does anyone here know where to send money or food and clothing, etc to these families in Iowa that have lost it all to the earthen levee break?

A local collection area in that area would be my choice. Cause sending it to fema, red cross,etc i know they will never receive it.

Any suggestions I would greatly appreciate.

Red Cross is always a good choice.

(((((((((((((Chalmette))))))))))
I found a website for Iowa City that might help. Personally, I wouldn't send anything to Red Cross if my life depended on it, but that's because of my own experiences with them. You might be able to contact the city officials directly to get some ideas as to how to help directly.

Iowa City website

Thank you for that website. I found a name and number on their for an office in Johnson County. I'm going to try calling that number and get them to direct me to the correct organization to contact on sending items.

I absolutley agree with you on Red Cross. After the storm we were told to contact Red Cross for help. When we did finally get in touch with them, they said we did not suffer enough damage for them to grant us any help. I told them that i guess losing my entire house and belongings to 20 feet of water doesnt suffice for them and help and what does. They told me that the city of New Orleans is in dire need and they are the ones receiving the help. But personally, i know of no one who received help from the Red Cross. Where all those donations went to i dont know. My guess is to build themselves new buildings and raise their salaries.

I know there are going to be many volunteer groups going up that way. And i have a list of some who have been down here helping. I will probably pass down by Camp Hope and see if they also have any info.

Thank you and any more suggestions will be appreciated.

For anyone interested in sending something to the residents in Iowa.

You can contact the Iowa City of Volunteer Hotline 1-319-887-6202. I spoke with a gentlemen there who said they are still trying to organize a group who can start receving incoming items such as giftcards for walmart, target, grocery stores that will go directly to the hands of a family or person there. He asked that i call back tomorrow and he will have that information.

I listed the number above in case anyone else wants to try on their own tomorrow.

That's awesome Chalmette, thanks for that. I was thinking items, but gift cards are perfect! Please let us know what he says tomorrow if you get hold of him.

Hey y'all - I know how you all feel about the red cross and it hurts me terribly that ppl suffered at their hands.

i also know that i personally fed over 30,000 people in new orleans in 3 weeks and that was just one truck out of an entire fleet. help does come - again, it breaks my heart to hear those that suffered.

i also know that if you do write a check to the red cross and PUT ON IT "(city needing help) it *has* to be used for that city and for no other purpose. I was americorps working at HQ in Oregon for 2 years, so i have an inside scoop.

again, i am so sorry for those who did not experience what red cross should be. On these big disasters, we are only as good as our weakest volunteer, and I know first hand how that can go. kiya

I tried calling today the same gentleman but could not contact him.

But something good came out of today. A friend of mine who lives in St. Louis has family in the affected areas and between them and their neighbors who lost their homes, I am going to send some giftcards to them. My friend informed me that some of her family are expected to leave the shelters and make their way to her house with in the coming days. Hopefully this little bit in giftcards will help them at least get some of the basic necessities they need.

Just wanted to let you all know. I'm going to try calling for this gentlemen again. If i do hear anything promising i will let you all know.