Click the link for full volunteer updates, donation updates, and ways you can help!
FROM VOLUNTEER FOX CITIES
VOLUNTEER UPDATE
As of 6:00 PM on July 29, we no longer need additional volunteers at the Volunteer Reception Center (VRC) this evening.
Thank you to everyone who stepped up to help. We currently have 300+ volunteers serving in the field, and the community response has been extraordinary. We have been inundated with volunteers, as evidenced by the stacks of completed volunteer waivers that continue to fill our interview area.
The Volunteer Reception Center (VRC) at UW-Oshkosh Fox Cities, 1478 Midway Rd., Menasha, will reopen on Wednesday, July 30, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Before sharing additional information, we want to say THANK YOU. To everyone helping lead this effort, to everyone who has volunteered or donated, and to everyone who signed up for the standby list, we are incredibly grateful.
If you signed up for the standby list and have not yet received a follow-up email, thank you for your patience. We have received an overwhelming response and are working through registrations as quickly as possible.
Please reference the updated campus map for directions on where to enter and park.
DONATION UPDATE
Due to the overwhelming generosity of our community and limited storage space, only the following items will be accepted beginning at 8:00 AM on July 30:
Current Priority Needs
- Lanterns/flashlights
- Lighter fluid
- Stick lighters
- Charcoal/firewood
- Bug spray
- Small fans
- Advil/Tylenol
- Small and large tarps
- Kleenex
- Dish soap
- Body wipes
- Laundry soap (small bottles preferred)
- Diapers
- Pasta and sauce
- Single-serve cereal
- Ramen
- Boost nutritional drinks
- 9-volt batteries
- Lotion
Please Do Not Donate
- Alcohol
- Expired food
- Perishable food
- Water
- Clothing
Donation needs may change as recovery efforts continue. Updates will be shared through our website and social media channels.
Thank you for your patience, flexibility, and incredible generosity as we support our community’s recovery.
Volunteer Instructions
- Do not report directly to affected areas unless directed by Emergency Management, Volunteer Fox Cities, or another official volunteer response organization.
- All volunteers must check in, complete a liability waiver, and receive a safety briefing before deployment.
- Wear sturdy, closed-toe footwear and weather-appropriate clothing.
- Bring sunscreen and a valid driver’s license or photo ID.
- Volunteers under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, who must complete a waiver on their behalf.
- Meals, snacks, beverages, restrooms, and portable restrooms are available on-site for volunteers.
FINANCIAL DONATIONS
If you are able, please consider making a financial donation instead of donating items. Financial contributions provide emergency responders, nonprofits, and community organizations with the flexibility to purchase the most needed supplies and services as conditions change.
Donate through our trusted partners: https://unitedwayfoxcities.org/tornado/
Item Donation Drop-Off Information
- Individual donations and small vehicles should enter through the campus main entrance as shown on the map.
- Large trucks and bulk donations should enter via University Avenue.
- Please do not bring water or clothing to the donation center at this time.
- Community Clothes Closet (off Midway Road) accepts clothing donations Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
- Gunderson Cleaners will accept clothing donations at any Fox Valley location, with a maximum of five bags or containers per donation.
DONATION ITEM PICK UP INFORMATION
Residents impacted by the storm may visit the donation center to access available supplies.
- Volunteers will assist with loading vehicles.
- Boxes and totes are available.
- Please be prepared to check in with your name and address.
- Trained Emotional Support volunteers will be available.
- Hmong and Spanish interpreters will be available.
A thousand thanks to this community for all the ways you’ve shown up to care for your neighbors. You inspire us, and your generosity is making a meaningful difference in our community’s recovery.
