(This story has been updated to add new information)
On July 27, an EF-3 tornado tore through the Fox Cities, destroying homes and businesses in its path.
The tornado caused state of emergency and disaster declarations as well as boiled water advisories for several Fox Valley municipalities.
As victims of the tornado look to clean up and recover, the community has launched volunteer efforts and assistance for those in need.
Here’s a guide to what help is available for tornado victims in the area.
Are there emergency shelters for those affected by the tornado?
Those looking for shelter can visit the following locations. Pets are not allowed, only service animals.
These organizations are launching volunteer efforts, here’s where and how to help
The city of Menasha and Winnebago County Emergency Management Department have set up a volunteer and donation center at the former University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh-Fox Cities campus at 1478 Midway Road in Menasha.
Those interested in cleanup and recovery efforts for the area can sign up online. Volunteers are currently being held on standby while response teams determine what needs are necessary. The city asks that volunteers do not report directly to damaged areas unless assigned by an organized volunteer effort.
Those with food trucks, prepared food and/or drinking water are being asked to report to the north parking lot of the former University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh-Fox Cities campus.
For more information and to sign up to volunteer, visit getconnected.volunteerfoxcities.org/need/index?s=1&need_init_id=15784&drm=1.
Volunteer Fox Cities is also coordinating and organizing volunteer efforts throughout the affected cities. The organization encourages anyone who wants to help to create an account on their Get Connected platform to stay updated on when volunteer opportunities become available.
Samaritan’s Purse International Relief announced it would be visiting the Fox Valley area on July 29 to extend additional volunteer efforts. The organization will be at Alliance Church of Appleton at 2693 Grand Chute Blvd. in Grand Chute with a tractor-trailer full of relief supplies and equipment. Teams will also be dispatched to help homeowners recover personal items and clean up debris. For more information, visit samaritanspurse.org/article/helping-wisconsin-after-devastating-tornado.
Community Clothes Closet, a nonprofit organization in Menasha, is open and offering clothing needs and essentials to anyone affected by the tornado. The organization at 1465-B Opportunity Way in Menasha normally requires a referral for its clients but has waived this requirement during this time. Open shopping hours for tornado victims will be 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 29, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 to 7 p.m. July 30 and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 31.
For more information visit Community Clothes Closet’s Facebook page.
These hotels in the area are offering discounted stays
The Fox Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau has put together a list of hotels that are offering discounted rates for tornado victims. When calling to make a reservation, please identify yourself as a tornado victim to receive the correct assistance.
The following hotels have vacancy and are offering tornado assistance.
For more information and a full list of hotels, visit foxcities.org/disaster-relief-rates-2.
These restaurants and businesses are looking to make the next meal easier for tornado victims
Despite several businesses in the area suffering damages from the tornado, plenty of businesses and restaurants are reaching out to help those in need.
The following restaurants have announced meal assistance for residents, especially victims of the tornado.
If we missed any vital information about assistance for tornado victims please reach Jelissa Burns at 920-453-5107 or jburns1@usatodayco.com. Follow her on X (Twitter) at @burns_jelissa or on Instagram at burns_jelissa.
This article originally appeared on Appleton Post-Crescent: Free food, shelter, supplies available to Fox Cities tornado victims
Reporting by Jelissa Burns, Appleton Post-Crescent / Appleton Post-Crescent
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Jelissa Burns, Appleton Post-Crescent | USA TODAY Network
