Salvation Army, Red Cross on the ground after tornado near Chetek: Here's how you can help

CHETEK -- The Salvation Army and American Red Cross are on the ground in Chetek, Wisconsin, after at tornado hit Tuesday, May 16th. One person was killed and 25 were hurt.

Officials with the Salvation Army said Wednesday with multiple volunteers and one canteen (mobile feeding unit) were on scene.

Those who have responded are coordinating with local and state emergency management to serve first responders and those affected by the tornado.

Salvation Army officials said volunteers are prepared to serve those affected in a variety of ways, including assistance with meals and drinks, along with rent, personal and family needs.

The Salvation Army served breakfast to 45 individuals on Wednesday morning. They would then spend the day preparing to serve those affected as they returned to their homes for the first time.

You can help those impacted by the tornado in the following ways:

Monetary donations are the most critical need as supplies and personnel move into the area.

Online: Text CHETEK to 41444 to receive a donation link for easy mobile giving.

By Phone: Call 1-800-264-6412

By Mail: To donate via mail, please make checks payable to “The Salvation Army” and clearly marked “Chetek Tornado”.

The Salvation Army
P.O. Box 8
Rice Lake, WI 54868

Your donations make a real difference.

A $10 donation feeds a disaster survivor for one day.

A $30 donation provides one food box, containing staple foods for a family of four, or one household cleanup kit, containing brooms, mops, buckets and other cleaning supplies.

A $100 donation can serve snacks and drinks for 125 survivors and emergency personnel at the scene of a disaster.

A $250 donation can provide one hot meal to 100 people or keep a hydration station operational for 24 hours.

A $500 donation keeps a Salvation Army canteen (mobile feeding unit) fully operational for one day.

Donations of Household Good and Clothing:

Due to the emergency situation, The Salvation Army cannot guarantee that any individual donations of household goods or clothing (gifts-in-kind) will be sent to the disaster area. In times of disaster, Salvation Army stores fill these needs from existing, pre-sorted stock.

Salvation Army officials ask that you please continue to donate gently-used household goods to your local Salvation Army store. You will help your community and help the Salvation Army prepare for future disaster relief needs.

To find your nearest drop-off location, CLICK HERE.

Meanwhile, the American Red Cross is also on scene, assisting those impacted by this tornado.

In a news release, Red Cross officials said trained volunteers in Chetek and Conrath are providing as needed services to affected residents.  Significant home and business damage in both of these regions will require continued support and assistance, they said.

The American Red Cross continues to collaborate with emergency management agencies and community leaders to provide any disaster related relief available which includes: shelter, food/water, mental health, medical assistance, and coordination of pet care assistance through the Barron County Humane Society and a significant donation by Pet Supplies Plus.

Trained staff will remain in both locations until all of the needs of the residents are met and normal life routines have resumed, officials said.

Here's how you can help:

It takes time and money to store, sort, clean and distribute donated items, which diverts limited time and resources away from helping those most affected. In contrast, financial donations can be accessed quickly and put to use right away to directly help and support those affected; with a financial donation, individuals can buy what they need and want.

Each disaster is unique and so are the needs of its victims. Financial donations are the quickest and best way to get help to the people who need it most. 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, Red Cross officials said.

The Red Cross depends on the generous support of the American public to fulfill its crucial mission. Help people affected by disasters like floods, wildfires and countless other crises by making a donation to support Red Cross Disaster Relief. These gifts enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small.

Make a donation by CLICKING HERE, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 gift.