Reno County volunteer organizations active in disasters

March 13--For those impacted by last week's wildfires in Reno County, it was like stepping into a mall specializing in disaster relief at the Kansas State Fairgrounds Sunday afternoon.

With only one stop, they met with volunteers who were providing for their needs. Resources included financial assistance, as well as free debris removal. Plus, there were mental and spiritual professionals on hand to listen for those who needed to talk.

One of those in attendance, Aleena Cape, a cook's assistant at Lincoln Elementary School, was being encouraged to take donations of cleaning supplies, plus a shovel and rake. The Capes had lost the tools in their two garages that were destroyed by the fires. She was being reassured by a volunteer that everything was donated by the community for those in the community.

The entire wildfire experience has left Cape overwhelmed by the kindness of people. From the Inman strangers who helped save her house from fire, to her co-workers at Lincoln School who have given her a generous gift card, she feels blessed.

"I am putting faces to angels," Cape said, as she visited with people at various tables in the Encampment Building, where the event was held.

Sunday, agencies were all working together. Gift cards were being offered by the Salvation Army and the Knights of Columbus. The Southern Baptist's Convention Disaster Relief was coordinating with the Great Plains United Methodist Disaster Response. Even the Kansas Department of Insurance was on hand to offer assistance to anyone with insurance problems. The objective was to coordinate all the efforts so that people were not being sent to 20 different places.

Coming together

Following a major flooding event three and a half years ago the Red Cross and United Way sat down together realizing they needed to create a more coordinated event surrounding the flooding. With many victims and damage to homes and property, they needed to pull the community together to offer a place for people to just learn about resources. That's how Reno County's Volunteer Organization Active in Disasters came into being.

"That's our goal today," said Lisa Gleason, director of community impact and engagement with United Way of Reno County.

They want those affected by the fires to realize they have some help.

"Perhaps they have insurance, but need assistance meeting the deductible," Gleason said. "Or they just need boots on the ground to help them haul off trees and limbs and debris.

"Our goal is to assess what their needs are and determine what resources we have to engage with them. From the flooding three years ago we were able to muck out homes and replace sheet rock and water heaters."

Sunday they were in the process of assessing what was needed in the current disaster.

"That is what part of today is, getting names and getting connected so we can start the process of recovery efforts for them," Gleason said. "We want to know who those individuals are who were affected by the wildfire and need assistance. They can call us at (620) 669-9329. Reno County VOAD will be in touch with how they may best help them."

Currently there are about 20 different properties that have had enough damage to warrant assistance, Gleason said. They will help anyone who has damage -- perhaps tree removal or brush cleaned out.

"If they are a land owner, that might not be something covered by insurance. That might be something VOAD can assist with," Gleason said. People can also call 211, which is manned by United Way, for a list of resources.

Personal involvement

A week ago, Gleason was among those evacuated without a place to go.

"My first thoughts obviously were for all my friends in our neighborhood. And then I had to change my hat and recognize that I was part of the recovery team that needed to start working," Gleason said. "It was a difficult shift, because my heart was still wanting to be with my friends and making sure everyone was still good.

Fortunately her home only sustained smoke damage.

"It has certainly driven home to me the importance of personal touches within all of us. Being able to connect the community to the resources. That we are all here to help each other figure this out and get through it.

"Coming from a more personal note, since we were personally affected, it makes me realize how its even more important for us to come together as a community when things like this happen," Gleason.

Along with the United Way Reno County and American Red Cross, VOAD is made up of the Salvation Army, Reno County Health Department, the Volunteer Center, First Presbyterian Church,Trinity United Methodist Church,Southern Baptist Church, the Mennonite Relief Efforts. Hutchinson Community Foundation, and more. Anyone is welcome to be part of the disaster relief.

Those who wish to make donations may send it to VOAD c/o of the United Way, 924 N. Main, P.O. Box 2230 , Hutchinson, KS 67504.

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