Local help more critical after FEMA funds denied for tornado victims

Staff reports

Local efforts to assist tornado victims became all the more crucial with FEMA’s announcement Saturday that Virginia’s damage is not severe enough to qualify for federal relief dollars.
"We are very disappointed that FEMA did not grant disaster assistance for Virginians still working to recover from the tornadoes," Gov. Bob McDonnell said in a release. "We are examining the possibility of appealing the decision, but in the mean time, state resources will continue to support the efforts of local governments and volunteer organizations that are helping our citizens recover.”
McDonnell’s office said he requested federal disaster assistance for Halifax, Pulaski and Washington counties and requested FEMA include April 8-28 as one incident period so other localities, such as Gloucester and Middlesex, could be added later. Virginia was struck by 29 tornadoes in April, killing ten and destroying an estimated 212 homes and damaging 1,050.
In addition, FEMA denied Virginia’s request for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, which provides funds for government projects that help reduce disaster risks by protecting homes and businesses against future damage.”
Carrying signs saying “FEMA Unfair,” protesters gathered outside the Abingdon office of Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-9) Monday to express their disappointment in the decision.
Griffith toured Glade Spring and Chilhowie areas last weekend and said the Virginia delegation to Congress would work together to do what they could to secure federal relief while avoiding language that would raise hopes that they would be successful.
Griffith said he was “greatly disappointed by the Obama administration’s decision to deny the federal disaster declaration for Washington and Pulaski counties. Apparently, we can spend all sorts of money on many frivolous federal programs, but not for those who are truly in need of disaster relief. I urge the governor to appeal this decision so that the people affected by these devastating storms in Southwest Virginia get the support they need to begin rebuilding.”
Pokey Harris, Washington County’s director of emergency management, said in a written statement that county officials are taking steps to ensure the tornado recovery process stays on track despite the denial.
“Washington County officials are committed to leaving no stone unturned in seeking assistance for the citizens affected by the tornado,” she said.
Federal aid would not have completely covered damage reparations, said Bob Spieldenner, director of public affairs for the Virginia Department of Emergency Services.
“Even if we had gotten the assistance, it would’ve taken community help,” he said. “It’s going to go back to the community and the volunteers working together to rebuild. [Federal aid] would have helped a little bit, but that work [volunteer efforts] is going to go on.”
He said he, too, expected FEMA assistance.
“At this point, we thought we had a pretty good case,” he said. “We thought we were going to get it.”
Glade Spring Mayor Lee Coburn said last week businesses in his town are open and urged customers “to come and spend money to eat and buy merchandise! You probably will see a need that you can help.”
Coburn said items needed now are all small kitchen appliances (new or gently used, microwaves, refrigerators, washers, dryers, bath, hand and kitchen towels, washcloths, dishes, silverware, cups and glasses, shampoos, conditioners, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, hairdryers, curling irons, brushes, combs, styling products, toilet paper, paper towels, disposable wipes, bed sheets, bedspreads, cleaning supplies, pet items.
He said shoes and socks for men, women, children and babies, items for babies and toys are needed.
Coburn said items may be taken to the main lobby of Falls Plaza, Russell Road, Abingdon. If the doors are locked leave items to the side of the doors, he said. For information, call Sheila at 276-739-7989.

Volunteer

Emory & Henry Appalachian Center for Community Service: Volunteers will be answering phones between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. every day including weekends. To volunteer, call ahead for scheduling -- 944-6737 and 944-6162.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office Support Auxiliary: Call (276) 274-9773 or arrive ready to work at the auxiliary’s volunteer and distribution center in the fellowship hall of Old Glade Presbyterian Church, at 33234 Lee Highway, near Exit 29 in Glade Spring.
The Glade Spring Baptist Church: Call (276) 429-2222 or arrive at the church, at 414 S. Monte Vista Drive in Glade Spring, between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m.

In-kind donations

Helping Hands Community Thrift Store: The store at 131 E. Main St., Marion, is seeking donations of ready-to-eat foods for Smyth and Washington County residents who are yet unable to prepare meals. “Things like ready-made Jell-O, not Jell-O in a box,” said Carolyn Cattle. The store is also collecting personal care items. “For every item brought in, we’ll give $1 off for every $5 purchased,” Cattle said. The store is also taking cash donations to help the Smyth and Washington families. The store is open Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Northwood Middle School: The school is asking individuals to help its faculty, staff and students collect cleaning supplies. The following items are needed: Brooms, mops, disposable gloves, hand sanitizers, bleach, large black trash bags, trash bags, work gloves, and liquid cleaners. Individuals may bring donations to the school.
Project Crossroads: Call 782-3339 for information regarding a future collection of furniture.
New Peoples Bank: Branches will also accept non-perishable food, personal items, and toys, which will be taken to Joy Baptist Church, Glade Spring, for distribution.
Glade Spring Baptist Church: Non-perishable food, toiletries, baby items, toys and household items and cleaning materials – but not clothing. 414 S. Monte Vista Drive.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office Support Auxiliary: Non-perishable foods, cleaning supplies, baby supplies, towels and bedding, and first aid supplies. No clothing. Old Glade Presbyterian Church, 33234 Lee Highway, near Exit 29. Contact Elaine Smythe at (276) 274-9773.
Glade Spring Middle School: Plastic tote boxes to store belongings, and grocery and gas gift cards.
Glade Community First Church of God: Donations to the food pantry to help feed hot meals in the tornado zone. Call (276) 429-2673. The church is at 12223 Maple St.
Joy Baptist Church, 27266 Faris Drive, Glade Spring: Non-perishable food and personal items. Drop at the church or any New People’s Bank branch. No clothing or furniture. Call (276) 646-5318.

Attend an event

Yard sale: 8 a.m. May 14 in the Devault Field parking lot on Euclid Avenue. Hosted by a Bristol Civitan Club to benefit tornado victims.

Financial contributions

United Way Disaster Support Fund: Designated for the recovery and long-term efforts of Southwest Virginians impacted by the tornadoes. Set up by the United Way of Russell and Washington Counties. Donate at www.rwcunitedway.org, by calling (276) 628-2160, or texting “support’ to 27722 to give a $10 donation. Donations made by check should be marked “Disaster Support Fund” and mailed to United Way of Russell and Washington Counties, P.O. Box 644, Abingdon, VA 24212. New People’s Bank branches are also accepting donations.
Smyth County United Way: Mail donations to United Way of Smyth County, POB 951, Marion, VA 24354, or drop them off at the Smyth County Chamber of Commerce, 214 W. Main St., Marion.
The American Red Cross, Mountain Empire Chapter: Call (276) 645-6650; or drop off donations at 14298 Lee Highway. The larger Red Cross organization is accepting donations online at www.redcross.org, (800) RED-CROSS, or by texting “redcross” to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
The Bank of Marion: Branches are accepting donations for local Red Cross relief efforts.
New Peoples Bank: Branches accept monetary donations, which will be turned over to the United Way of Smyth County.
First Bank & Trust Co.: Bank’s parent company set up a disaster relief account for storm victims in Washington County. Donations to the Disaster Relief Washington County account can be made at any First Bank location.
Salvation Army: Online at salvationarmy.org, call (800) SAL-ARMY, or by texting “give” to 80888 to make a $10 donation.

Debris Disposal

Smyth County: waives all tipping fees at the transfer station for debris from the damaged area. Required is identification with an address in the affected area.
MXI Environmental Services: Hazardous Household waste from the damaged area should be taken to 26319 Old Trail Rd., Abingdon, 9 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday. Industrial waste, tires, explosives or bullets will not be accepted.