A running list of ways for you to help with flood relief. Know another way people can help or donate? Please email [email protected].
Disaster Distress Helpline
The Disaster Distress Helpline, the nation’s only hotline dedicated to providing year-round disaster crisis counseling, are helping those who are coping with uncertainties and stress after flooding in Nebraska, Iowa and Missouri.
Their toll-free, multilingual, crisis support service is available 24/7 via telephone at 1-800-985-5990. People can also text “TalkWithUs” to 66746.
Donate items to flood victims and get a free beer!
Anheuser Busch are having several fundraisers across southeast Nebraska to gather supplies for flood victims. Instead of cash, they’re looking for cleaning supplies, water and other items.
When you bring an item to one of the donation locations, you’ll get a FREE beer. Must be 21.
Donations stops:
- 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. on March 29 at Little Ted’s in Nebraska City
- 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. on March 30 at Rebucks in Auburn
- 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. on March 31 at The Would Eye in Falls City
Fremont County Community Foundation Establishes Fund to Aid Flood Relief Effort
A flood fund has been established by the Fremont Community Foundation to provide relief to victims in Fremont County.
The foundation, which is an affiliate of the Omaha Community Foundation, is asking for donation via check or online. Checks can be made to the “Fremont County Flood Fund” and mailed to the Fremont County Community Foundation, 3555 Farnam Street, Suite 222, Omaha, NE 68131 or dropped off at any of the following bank locations:
- Arbor Bank – Sidney
- First Heritage Bank – Farragut and Shenandoah
- First State Bank – Tabor
- Great Western Bank – Sidney and Shenandoah
- Tri-Valley Bank – Randolph
Online donations can be made at https://omahafoundation.org/donate/ and select “Southwest Iowa Funds” and “Fremont County Flood Fund” from the drop-down lists.
Donations to the fund will go directly to flood victims in Fremont County, Iowa, with Fremont County Public Health serving as the facilitator in distributing support. Applications for relief grants will be available through Fremont County Public Health at a date yet to be determined.
Donations are tax-deductible and will receive a gift receipt from the Omaha Community Foundation, which is a 501(c)(3) public charity, allowing for maximum tax benefits.
For additional information on the flood relief fund, please contact any of the aforementioned board members, or Stacey Goodman, Iowa Foundations Director, at 800-794-3458 or [email protected].
Mills County Emergency Management
A flood fund has been established solely for flood victims in Mills County, Iowa.
Mills County Emergency Management created the Mills County Flood Fund, and Mills County Public Health will facilitate distribution of the funds directly to individuals who need help. None of the money will go toward community infrastructure.
Go to omahafoundation.org/donate and select Southwest Iowa Funds and Mills County Flood Funds, or mail a check to Mills County Community Foundation, 3555 Farnam St. Suite 222, Omaha, NE 68131. The Mills County Community Foundation is an affiliate of the Omaha Community Foundation.
Large Animal Flood Drive
American Red Cross:
The Red Cross, which has been operating shelters in Nebraska and southwest Iowa since the flooding, will accept monetary donations at redcross.org/donate. People should select “I want to Support Disaster Relief,” or text REDCROSS to 90999. Donations also can be mailed to American Red Cross, 2912 S. 80th Ave., Omaha, NE 68124.
United Way
United Way of the Midlands has established the Nebraska & Iowa Flood Relief Fund to help people who lost homes or suffered other setbacks in the flooding. One hundred percent of every donation will be given to nonprofit programs that provide shelter, food and other services. Go to unitedwaymidlands.org/floodrelief or text FLOODRELIEF to 41444. United Way also is helping flood victims in Nebraska and southwest Iowa through its 211 Helpline.
Nebraska Farm Bureau
A Disaster Relief Fund has been established at the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation to provide emergency aid to Nebraska farmers, ranchers, and rural communities affected by recent storms and flooding. 100% of the donations will be distributed to Nebraska farmers, ranchers, and rural communities affected by the disasters. To donate or apply for aid from the Disaster Relief Fund, utilize the Agriculture Disaster Exchange portal, or access other disaster assistance resources, visit www.nefb.org/disaster.
Volunteering
If you want volunteer in a specific town to help with flood relief, you are asked to call that town’s city offices.
Nebraska City
Donation stops have been setup at Tractor Supply Company and The Dollar Tree. The Dollar Tree is matching item-for-item donations purchased at the store. The Nebraska City Middle School Student Council is also accepting donations at the school.
Auburn
Auburn High School is accepting toiletries, food water and monetary donations to bring to North Bend and Peru. The Bulldogs played North Bend Central in the Class C1 State Championship on March 9.
Falls City
The Falls City Chamber and Main Street is collecting water, sports drinks, disinfectants, shovels, mops, squeegees, buckets and trash bags. Donations can be dropped off at 1705 Stone St.
Book Drive
Aspen Warriner is raising money through a GoFundMe page to buy books for kids affected by flooding in Nebraska and Iowa.
“They have lost so much in the last week. I just want to put a smile on their face and a little joy in their hearts.”
You can donate here: https://www.gofundme.com/nebowafloodbookdrive
Hay and Farm Supplies Donations
The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) has set up a hotline for donations of hay and other farm supplies. That hotline number is 800-831-0550. The Nebraska National Guard is currently executing hay drops in areas where livestock are cut off from feed. In addition, NDA has a Rural Response Hotline for farmers and producers who are needing emotional support or someone to talk to.
Avoid scams when giving money for flood relief
In the wake of widespread flooding, countless people are stepping up to lend a hand.
Unfortunately, scammers also are stepping up.
The Nebraska Attorney General’s Office and the Better Business Bureau offer tips to consider when donating or seeking help after a disaster:
» Donate to reputable organizations or those with a local presence.
» Be careful with fundraisers on social media that aren’t tied to an organization or local charity.
» If you’re unfamiliar with an organization or charity, do your research on sites such as Charity Navigator, GuideStar, IRS Select Check, the National Center for Charitable Statistics and the BBB Wise Giving Alliance.
» To find a legitimate agency for monetary and other goods and services donations, contact 211. To reach 211, simply dial 211. If you have difficulty reaching 211, dial 866-813-1731.
» When seeking a business for damage repair, beware of companies that use high-pressure sales tactics, ask for full payment up front or ask for you to get the necessary permits.
» Verify that contractors and charitable organizations are Better Business Bureau-accredited by checking at bbb.org and bbb.org/charity, respectively.
» Specify the disaster so your donations don’t go into a general fund.
» Read carefully. Some impostors will use names that sound similar to reputable organizations in an attempt to trick donors.
» Pay by credit card or check instead of cash or money transfer. Don’t make checks payable to an individual.
» Be careful when opening links in emails, particularly unsolicited ones, as they may download harmful files onto your computer.
» Ask questions to clarify how your donation will be used for disaster relief.
» Use peer-to-peer fundraising platforms carefully. Research hidden fees and avoid paying individuals instead of organizations.
» If you want to raise money on behalf of an organization or an individual, ask permission and for other details first.
