Dade County issues call for additional supplies of some items
The outpouring of tornado relief has been amazing but there is still demand for some items, according to members of the Dade County Sheriff's Department.
"My goodness, we're getting so much help it's awesome," said Vivien Hester, who is working on relief efforts. She said there are several distribution sites for supplies including Trenton United Methodist Church in Trenton. She also said volunteers who are interested in helping can come to the sheriff's department, 71 Case Ave. in Trenton. Volunteers are asked to bring hammers and saws with them and a driver's license.
The department says there is need for some items including frozen biscuits, eggs and foods and supplies for diabetics. There is also demand for soap, shampoo and new underwear of socks of all sizes.
Wells Fargo makes contribution to Ga. and Ala.
Wells Fargo is contributing $100,000 to the United Way for recovery efforts in Alabama and Georgia, the company announced this week.
This contribution is in addition to $225,000 Wells Fargo donated to the American Red Cross for tornado relief last month.
Billboard companies chip in to help tornado victims
More than 70 electronic message boards are running messages in North Georgia letting people know how to contact FEMA for help.
There are also two traditional billboards in Trenton and Ringgold with the same message that will run a minimum of two months. The Outdoor Advertising Association of Georgia is paying for the production of the vinyl sign and Fairway Outdoor of Chattanooga is donating space free of charge.
The messages give a contact number for FEMA 1-(800) 621-FEMA (3362) or www.disasterassistance.gov.
The association has also donated more than 400 vinyl signs for residents to use as tarps to protect their houses from further damage while they make repairs.
State warns to beware of contractor scams
The state has issued a warning against unlicensed contractors and scam artists who may try to capitalize on storm damage.
Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp said when hiring for construction work, consumers should watch out for these red flags: a person going door to door selling their services; a person offering services for a short time only; pressure to pay high upfront costs; refusal to set out specific contract terms; and lack of a verifiable name, address and phone number of the business.
Kemp said certain types of work require a licensed contractor, including major structural repair, as well as electrical, plumbing and heating, ventilation and air conditioning. You can check if a contractor is licensed, or file a complaint against a licensed contractor, on the secretary of state’s website at sos.georgia.gov/plb/.
Licensed contractors are not required for roofing, painting, drywall, siding, mold remediation, flooring and foundation waterproofing. Larry Hartstein
Agencies, businesses seek donations for recovery
A number of service organizations and businesses are still collecting money and items to help storm victims.
The American Red Cross says the greatest need is money. Contributions can be sent to American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. People also can go to www.redcross.org or call 1-800-733-2767 (1-800-RED-CROSS) to make credit-card donations, of they can text redcross to 90999 to make an automatic $10 donation.
The Pickens County Sheriff’s Office is collecting bottled water, nonperishable foods, soap, shampoo and tarps. Items can be donated at 2985 Camp Road in Jasper. For information, call 706-253-8900.
Hosea Feed the Hungry and Homeless is collecting water, nonperishable foods, blankets, diapers, shampoo, soap, toothpaste, flashlights and cleaning supplies. Money can be donated through www.hoseafeedthehungry.com. Other items can be dropped off 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Mondays- Fridays at the HFTH Family Care and Crisis Center, 1035 Donnelly Ave. S.W.
The Kroger Co. is asking shoppers to round up their purchases to the nearest dollar to benefit American Red Cross relief efforts, and the company’s foundation will match those donations up to $100,000. As of Tuesday, the drive had collected $63,000. The Cincinnati-based grocer also will donate $250,000.
Donations can be made to the Salvation Army by going to www.salvationarmy-georgia.org. Shelia Poole
More counties designated for FEMA assistance
Affected survivors and business owners in the counties designated for federal disaster assistance can apply for help by calling the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s toll-free registration number at 1-800-621-3362 or going to www.disasterassistance.gov.
Bartow, Catoosa, Coweta, Dade, Greene, Harris, Heard, Floyd, Gordon, Lamar, Lumpkin, Meriwether, Monroe, Morgan, Pickens, Polk, Rabun, Spalding, Troup and Walker counties had already been designated for federal disaster assistance.
Residents in Cherokee, Habersham, Newton, Upson and White counties learned that they, too, can now apply for help. Alexis Stevens
Calls for prom tuxes, gowns go out on Facebook
Two Facebook sites are connecting anyone with prom dresses, tuxedos or other items with storm victims in need of clothing for high school proms.
One site is called “Prom Dresses for Tornado Victims.” Volunteers associated with the other site, “Rescue Prom,” plan to gather Friday and Saturday in the northwest Georgia town of Trenton to distribute dresses, tuxedos and other clothing. Associated Press
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