A member of a committee established to monitor the financial assistance being collected for Wood County victims of the June 5 tornado says there will likely be a need for the panel to continue meeting until the end of the year.

With some residents being without adequate insurance to replace property and others struggling to meet basic needs, the work of the Long Term Tornado Disaster Committee isn’t likely to conclude soon, said John Castellanos, a captain with the Lake Township Fire Department who is a representative of the department on the committee.

Representatives of the Red Cross, United Way, Catholic Charities, WSOS Community Action, area churches, local government, and the township’s emergency responders meet weekly to assess the on-going efforts to help victims financially.

“The committee was set up to assist all the victims of Wood County. I think there will be a need for another six months or so with some people being homeless or without insurance. We want to make sure people realize 100 percent of the money you send in goes where it’s supposed to go,” Capt. Castellanos said, adding committee members are also emphasizing there is no administrative cost siphoning  donation money.

Funds are being disbursed to victims through WSOS after applications are reviewed by a caseworker from Lutheran Social Services,

Castellanos said the process allows recipients to remain anonymous.

He said donors should specify where they want their money to go by stating so in the memo section of their checks. In addition to donating to households affected by the severe weather, donations may be made to the Lake School District or even to emergency responder units.

Non-profit organizations representing the emergency departments have established accounts to accommodate donations.

Comments (0)

Subscribe to this comment's feed