CONWAY — The United Way of Central Arkansas is among local businesses and organizations collecting items for those who have been affected by the April 27 tornado.
Maret Cahill, executive director of the United Way of Central Arkansas, said donations have been pouring into the local office at 1120 Oak St. in downtown Conway.
“People have been bringing in needed items,” she said. “People are also coming in to volunteer.”
Cahill said the United Way of Central Arkansas is accepting donations of clothing, which are being taken to Grand on Oak at 1101 Oak St., where the clothing is being sorted and stored for distribution. Hangers and blankets are also being accepted.
Sena Lovette-Crafton, owner of Grand on Oak, is secretary of the United Way of Central Arkansas Board of Directors.
“As the needs change every day, we are updating our Facebook page every half hour,” Cahill said. “Those who do not have access to Facebook can call our office at (501) 327-5087 for the latest information.”
While donations of needed items will continue to be accepted at the Conway office, Cahill said the easiest way for people to help is to donate to the United Way of Central Arkansas Recovery and Rebuilding Fund.
“In reality, you can’t donate a roof,” Cahill said. “Cash is what helps the most.
“One-hundred percent of cash donations will go to the victims. No administrative fees come off.”
Cash donations may be made online at www.unitedwaycentralark.org or on Facebook.
Both the American Red Cross and The Salvation Army are set up to receive cash donations for the tornado victims.
The American Red Cross sponsors the American Red Cross Disaster Relief.
Bridget Williams, spokeswoman for the Arkansas Red Cross, said people can donate by visiting www.redcross.org, calling (800) RED CROSS or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
The Salvation Army accepts cash donations by phone at (800) SAL-ARMY (800) 725-2769),
online at donate.salvationarmyusa.org/uss/april2014 or by texting STORM to 80888 to donate $10 to tornado relief.
Following is a list of some of the local donation sites. By no means is it a complete list.
• Arvest Bank branches in central Arkansas are partnering with HisPlace HisWay, in conjunction with the American Red Cross, and accepting donations of bottled water, juice boxes/pouches, blankets, first aid items, all cleaning products, caps, hats, safety goggles, gloves and tarps of all sizes. Donations will be accepted during regular banking hours through Friday.
• Beryl Baptist Church, 873 U.S. 64B in Vilonia, is accepting nonperishable foods, tarps, new pillows, blankets, spray sunscreen and insect repellent. Call (501) 796-3911.
• Central Baptist College has set up two donation boxes in the Watkins Academic Building and the Mabee Student Services Complex. Among needed items are leather work gloves, flashlights and batteries, individually wrapped snacks, sunscreen, baby wipes, hand sanitizer, tarps and 55-gallon heavy-duty trash bags.
• The Faulkner County Cooperative Extension Service, Division of Agriculture,
University of Arkansas, will accept donations at 110 S. Amity Road, Suite 200, in Conway. Requested items include bottled water, soap, toothpaste, toiletries, saline solution, contact-lens cases, trash bags, heavy plastic, tarps, gloves, diapers and blankets. For more information, call (501) 329-8344.
• Faulkner County Library branches are accepting book donations, new and gently used, for children through the month of May. Books should be boxed or placed in containers for easier distribution. Call (501) 327-7482 for more information.
• First Security Bank has set up an account to receive monetary donations for Arkansas communities affected by the storm.
Bank locations throughout the state are also accepting specific donations such as blankets, tarps, gloves, first-aid items, diapers, toothpaste/toothbrushes, baby wipes, hand sanitizer, flashlights, batteries, nonperishable food items, toiletries, toilet paper, cleaning supplies and new toys, coloring books and stuffed animals. The items will be delivered to distribution centers in the hardest hit areas of Faulkner, White and Pulaski counties.
• Nabholz Construction Co. is collecting items in its offices, including Conway. Call (501) 505-5800 for more information.
• Oak Bowery Baptist Church in the Saltillo community is accepting donations at 889 Otto Road. For more information, call (501) 336-9133
• Regions Bank is collecting items at its Conway branch, 1023 Main St., and at the Morrilton branch, 300 N. Moose St. Supplies will be delivered pending Red Cross instructions. Needed supplies include blankets, water, flashlights and batteries, and small packaged snacks. Cash donations will be accepted at all branches.
• Toad Suck Daze will be open from noon to 4 p.m. today in downtown Conway. Monetary donations may be deposited in contribution buckets at all Toad Banks. All contributions will be divided among local chapters of the American Red Cross, The Salvation Army and the United Way.
• The University of Central Arkansas has set up two drop-off locations for storm-relief items — Room 109, Torreyson Library, and the UCA Physical Plant. Items needed include flashlights, batteries, blankets, camping supplies, feminine products, sunscreen, insect repellent, pet supplies, hygiene products, toilet paper and tarps. Clothing is not requested at this time.
The UCA Foundation Inc. has established the Disaster Assistance Fund for UCA faculty, staff and students. Funds can be donated online at uca.edu/go/DisasterAssistanceFund. Other donations can be made to the American Red Cross at www.redcross.org/support/donating-fundraising/donations.