MADISON COUNTY, Iowa — Officials said seven people were killed Saturday when tornado-spawning thunderstorms swept through central Iowa.
Emergency management officials in Madison County said four were injured and six people were killed when the tornado touched down near the town of Winterset. Among those killed were two children under the age of five.
Another death was confirmed in Lucas County.
Many organizations and local emergency management agencies are conducting recovery efforts. Here's how you can help.
Volunteering:
Madison County Emergency Management officials have moved all volunteer operations to the Jackson Building at the county fairgrounds as of Wednesday.
Officials said there is still a need for volunteer labor and heavy machine operators. If you're interested in volunteering, call the county hotline at 225-377-0036 or 225-377-0027. Volunteers can also show up to the fairgrounds in the morning without calling. Buses will leave from the Jackson Building at 8:30 a.m.
"We've been awestruck by the outpouring of love from the community," emergency management director Diogenes Ayala said in a release. "The amount of work that we have completed in the days following this Disaster have been in part because of your efforts."
Donating:
The Greater Madison County Community Foundation said it established a disaster relief fund. Click here for more information.
According to the Madison County Chamber of Commerce, donations for Winterset and Madison County can be brought to New Bridge Church in Winterset. So far, needed supplies include bottled water, non-perishable food, personal hygiene items, tarps, boxes, flashlights and plastic storage totes and containers.
"Please consider donating gift cards from local area businesses for meals, food, gas, etc.," the Chamber wrote. "Monetary donations may be made to the Red Cross."
The Red Cross accepts monetary donations through its website.
For those in the St. Charles area, the Talk Shop Lounge is accepting donations. Click here for information.
The Salvation Army is also helping with recovery efforts and accepting donations.
Material donations of items, like non-perishable food and bottled water, can be dropped off at the Salvation Army’s administrative building at 1400 NW 100th St. in Clive.
Verizon Wireless said in a release they donated $10,000 to American REd Cross - Iowa Region and are allowing unlimited calls, texting and data for customers in the following zip codes:
- Lucas County
- Chariton (50049)
- Madison County
- Winterset (50273)
- Polk County
- Avon (50047)
- Pleasant Hill (50327)
- Runnells (50237)
- Warren County
- Norwalk (50211, 50321)
GoFundMe has also verified several fundraising campaigns for tornado victims: