Athens County EMA: Volunteers Needed To Help Tornado Victims

[Casper]

he athens county ema said in a release friday night that volunteers are still needed to help the victims of the september 16th tornado in athens.

The release said in part that volunteers are still needed to help area residents recovering from the september 16 tornado/severe weather disaster in athens county. Many local families still need help fixing problems at their homes and on their properties, and with the onset of the snow and cold temperatures, the repairs are desperately needed.

The athens county long term recovery committee is working with residents affected by the severe weather disaster and is coordinating work crews to help them rebuild their lives. Many people have already volunteered over the past few months, but many more volunteers are still needed. Volunteers are needed to do work such as:

• · stump removal and tree removal,
  
• · roofing work,
  
• · interior work on homes,
  
• · setting up mobile homes and making sure they are level,
  
• · putting down carpet,
  
• · putting up drywall.
  

the athens county long term recovery committee is also looking for volunteers to work in the disaster recovery warehouse, and is still accepting cash donations, as well as donations of food gift cards, furniture, appliances and household items for the disaster victims.

Anyone who would like to volunteer for the work crews or who would like to donate a gift card to the families should call the athens county long term recovery committee case managers at 740-667-6672. To volunteer at the warehouse facility, call 740-856-6841. To make a monetary donation to assist with the recovery efforts, send checks made out to the athens foundation, for the athens county long term recovery committee, to the athens foundation, po box 366, athens, ohio 45701.

Area residents who are still recovering from the disaster are strongly encouraged to call the athens county long term recovery committee case managers and ask about the assistance that may be available to them. The u.s. Small business administration and the ohio emergency management agency have agreed to extend the deadline for applications for assistance in some cases, but area resident should talk to the case managers before applying. The recovery committee also has other forms of assistance available for area residents. To speak with a case manager, call 740-667-6672 or stop by the plains united methodist church between 3-7 p.m. On monday, december 13 or friday december 17.

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