Missouri Establishes Statewide
Hotline to Aid in Aftermath of Winter Storm
JEFFERSON CITY, January 17, 2007-Mark James, Director
of Public Safety announced today Missouri has set up a donation hotline
to assist those affected by the severe winter weather.
“I commend SEMA and AmeriCorps volunteers, establishing
this hotline to handle donations management and volunteers for citizens
and communities impacted by the winter storms,” James said.
The hotline number is 888-377-2100 and has been established
to coordinate and distribute unsolicited donated goods, time and financial
assistance. Those affected by the storm may also contact the number
to receive referral and answered questions. The lines are staffed
from 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Calls will roll over to an answering machine
if all lines are busy or after hours. Missourians who receive a busy
signal or no answer are encouraged to leave a message as all calls
will be returned.
AmeriCorps and the Missouri Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters
(MOVOAD) are supporting the human services and disaster relief coordination
for impacted communities.
Anyone wishing to donate items or volunteer through
an established organized group should contact their local chapters
of the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, or faith-based group
with a disaster mission such as the Southern Baptists, the United
Methodist Disaster Response, the Seventh Day Adventists, Lutheran
Disaster Response or other faith based denominations with a volunteer
disaster response mission.