After storms in the area recently left many without power and devastated by tornadoes, straight line winds and flash flooding, United Way of Central Arkansas is encouraging individuals to contribute to the Faulkner County Chapter of the American Red Cross.  Relief funds have been established at Centennial Bank and First Security Bank for the Vilonia tornado victims. Donations can be made at any Centennial Bank or First Security Bank location in Faulkner County to the accounts, which are named Faulkner County Red Cross for Vilonia Relief Fund.  All funds raised will be used to assist those individuals and families who were impacted by Monday night's storms in the Faulkner County area.

Credit or debit card donations can be made to United Way of Central Arkansas's Disaster Relief Fund by making a secure PayPal donation on our website, www.unitedwaycentralark.org.  All contributions received for disaster relief will be given to organizations on the ground in Faulkner and Perry Counties, providing assistance to those devastated by the storms.  We will be releasing $10,000 from our disaster relief fund, which was established by Centennial Bank during the Hurricane Katrina disaster, to aid the tornado victims immediately.  UWCA will work to keep the public informed about the needs of the community and we will update our website with opportunities for volunteers to get involved as we hear of them.

Items needed right now are:

Laundry detergent

Dish washing soap

Salt & pepper

Coffee & tea

Coffee filters, creamers, sugar & artificial sweeteners

Condiments such as mustard, ketchup & mayonnaise

Canned meat (non-pork)

Qtips & first-aid kits

Medical supplies

Mini sewing kits

Hats, sunscreen & aloe vera products

Paper products (paper plates, cups, plastic utensils, etc.)

Allergy medication

All items can be dropped off at the Old Gym in Vilonia for distribution to the tornado victims.

To volunteer with the Vilonia relief efforts:

Quentin Washispack, with New Life Church, is organizing groups of volunteers to go into Vilonia to help with clean up and other relief efforts.  If you are interested in working directly with this group, please contact Quentin at 501.514.4600.

For questions or more information, please contact our office at 501.327.5087.