Many groups are working to provide assistance to Arkansans impacted by the recent tornado that caused extensive destruction.
Below is a list of some of the places to donate money, clothes, food, blood, furniture, to get emergency phones and WiFi, to get help with pet, and to find shelters.
Where to donate:
The Arkansas Community Foundation is taking donations to be distributed to various non-profit organizations that are helping tornado victims in the state.
Spokeswoman Sarah Kinser said the money collected through Arkansas Emergency and Disaster Relief Fund can be used for either immediate relief or for recovery and rebuilding later on.
“We're inviting all of our existing donors and new donors to consider a gift to that fund. We'll be using it to make grants to different organizations working on the ground in communities across the state that have been affected by the tornadoes,” Kinser said.
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is taking basic toiletry items, water, first aid kits, diapers, shoes of all sizes, socks, undergarments, summer clothing, and plastic bins for people to place their belongings in. The main collection point will be in the Donaghey Student Center at the lower level, near the staircase outside the bookstore.
The Red Cross provides blood to approximately 40 hospitals in the state and it is taking blood donations at various locations.
New Life Church Arkansas Tornado Relief
Arkansas Rice Depot is putting together Disaster Meal Kits
The Arkansas Foodbank is accepting non-perishable food donations at its warehouse, 4301 W. 65th Street in Little Rock.
The United Way of Central Arkansas
Those interested in donating furniture can contact the Union Rescue Mission at (501) 370-0808 to schedule a pick-up or delivery. All donations will receive a receipt for a tax reduction.
E. Leigh's boutique has drop-off areas at their Little Rock, 2911 Kavanaugh Blvd., and Conway, 830 Front St., locations.
First Security Bank
ZaZa, Big Orange, and Local Lime
Phones and Wi-Fi capability:
Verizon Wireless is providing device-charing stations for those affected in Mayflower and Vilonia, in addition to first responders. The stations also have on-site emergency phones and Wi-Fi capability. The stations are located at:
Mayflower Middle School at 10 Leslie King Drive
Plantation Acres Subdivision in Mayflower
Vilonia City Hall at 18 Bise Street
Beryl Baptist Church at 873 U.S. 64 B in Vilonia
Wal-Mart at 1155 Skyline Drive in Conway
Best Buy at 600 Elsinger Blvd. in Conway
The stations will be open 10 a.m. to dusk or as long as the communities need the services.
In addition, Verizon has announced overage charges for voice, data and text use for the entire month of May will be waived for customers in the impacted areas around Mayflower and Vilonia. That includes ZIP codes 72034, 72032, 72106 and 72173.
Items needed:
Water
Non-perishable canned/packaged foods
Children and adult clothing
Diapers
Baby formula
Baby bottles
Baby wipes
Soap
Hand Sanitizer
Bath towels
Hand towels
Washcloths
Blankets
Pillows
Personal hygiene items
Small board games and cards
Pets:
The Arkansas Lost and Found Pet Network has set up a Facebook group for owners and finders of lost and found pets from last night’s storms. Join the group
The Humane Society of Pulaski County,14600 Colonel Glen Rd. (501) 227-6166
Shelters:
Mayflower Middle School: 17 Leslie St.
Mayflower High School Gym: 10 Leslie King Drive
Beryl Baptist Church: 873 U.S. 64 in Vilonia
Arkansas District Pentecostal Church of God: Vilonia
Antioch Baptist Church: 150 Amity Road in Conway
St. Joseph's Catholic Church: 1115 College Ave. in Conway
Oak Bowery Baptist Church: 889 Otto Road in Conway
Point of Grace: 767 U.S. 64 B in Conway-Vilonia area
In Pulaski County, the Ferncliff Camp and Conference Center, at 1720 Ferncliff Rd., is also opened as a shelter.
Clean up efforts: