UPCOMING VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

"Be the change you wish to see in the world."  -Mahatma Gandhi

UPDATE on Oklahoma Disaster Relief Efforts:

As of May 21, no new calls for trained disaster relief volunteers have been issued. However, Illinois students and staff who have already been trained through OVP-sponsored Disaster Relief trainings should contact the American Red Cross of Central Illinois at (217) 351-5861 to indicate their interest in responding.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED to assist the American Red Cross of Central Illinois with a fundraiser for the Disaster Relief Fund. The fundraiser will be held Tuesday, May 28 from 6a-6:30p at WCIA, 509 S. Neil St, Champaign. Donations may be dropped off anytime during these hours. Volunteers are needed to work a 4-hour shift from 6-10a or 10a-2p or 2-6p collecting donations from passersby. To sign up to volunteer, call Kelly at (217) 351-5861 or email ovp@illinois.edu with your name, phone number, email and shift choice for Tuesday. Although proceeds are for the Disaster Relief Fund, and therefore may be used for any disaster, expectations are that a significant portion will benefit the most recent disasters in Oklahoma.

For general information on the disaster response to the Oklahoma Tornadoes, visit: http://www.redcross.org/news/article/FAQs-Oklahoma-Tornadoes

Why donate money?

“After a disaster, financial donations are the quickest and best way to get help to the people who need it most. The Red Cross isn’t equipped to handle a large influx of donations like household items, clothing or food that may or may not be useful to victims. It takes time and money to sort, process, transport and then distribute donated items—whereas financial donations can be accessed quickly and put to use right away. Plus, financial donations allow us to be flexible in the help that we provide and ensure we can provide what people need most. As an added benefit, financial donations allow the Red Cross and disaster victims to purchase items locally, stimulating the economy of the disaster-affected area.

Even a small financial donation can go further than you might think. For instance, $2 can provide a snack to a child who just lost his or her home, and $10 can provide a hot meal to that same child. You can help people affected by disasters by making a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief.”

Source: http://www.redcross.org/news/article/FAQs-Oklahoma-Tornadoes

OTHER DISASTER RELIEF INFORMATION AND EFFORTS:

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) does have an Animal Rescue Team (ART) supported by its Disaster Relief Fund. However, as of May 21 although the HSUS has remained in contact with local authorities, the ART had not been deployed to Oklahoma. For more info on the HSUS-ART visit: http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/animal_rescue/relief.html

The Oklahoma Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (O-VOAD) and the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management post regular situation updates to: https://okvoad.communityos.org/cms/disaster_map

As of May 21, the most recent update can be found at: http://www.ok.gov/OEM/Emergencies_&_Disasters/2013/20130518_Severe_Weather_Event/20130521_Situation_Update_4.html

After reading the above information, for those who remain interested in donating items:

The International Harvest Church, a non-denominational church in Moore, Oklahoma, is collecting donations of the following most requested items:

• Sunscreen (for residents clearing out homes and volunteers assisting in disaster relief)
• Trash Bags (especially lawn and garden, tear-resistant)
• Toilet Paper
• Paper Towels
• Boxes and Tubs (for residents clearing usable items out of damaged homes)

ONLY ITEMS LISTED ABOVE may be mailed to:

International Harvest Church
3000 N. Santa Fe Av
Moore, OK 73160

If interested in donating other items or hosting a collection, please have answered the following questions prior to beginning your collection:

• What items are needed and where?
• Which agencies or areas in that region are able to receive and to distribute your donated items to people in need?
• How does the receiving agency want items packaged and shipped?

To find more volunteer opportunities, visit: http://www.cuvolunteer.org/

For more information on any of the above events, contact OVP at ovp@illinois.edu or (217) 333-7424.

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Your feedback can help us create better projects!

Tell OVP what kind of volunteer opportunities interest you: https://illinois.edu/fb/sec/6612876

Have a volunteer opportunity to post to the OVP Listserv? Complete the form at: https://illinois.edu/fb/sec/4626774 .  

Please note: due to the overwhelming demand, OVP is unable to use the Volunteer Listserv to advertise fundraisers, drives or philanthropy, unless sponsored directly by the Office of Volunteer Programs.

Agency Information Update Form: OVP is updating agency information in its student handbook. If your community agency has new volunteer management staff, or would like to update your volunteer opportunities, please complete the form: https://illinois.edu/fb/sec/3085249.