2026 Storm Response

How You Can Help Right Now

Office Closed Today (July 29): Volunteer Fox Cities is closed today due to the severe storm.

⚠️ VOLUNTEER, ITEM DONATION, AND FINANCIAL DONATION UPDATE AS OF 7/29 AT 8:30 AM

The Volunteer Reception Center and Donation Drop-off Site will be open today from 8 am-8pm at the old UW-Fox Campus on Midway Road in Menasha (1478 Midway Rd). The Center may be open other days this week, but we will announce that as we know more.

Please reference this updated map for directions on where to enter and park.

Before sharing some important instructions, we want to say THANK YOU! To everyone who’s collaborating on leading this effort, to everyone who showed up to help or donate, and to everyone who signed up on the stand-by list. If you signed up for the stand-by list and have not received a follow-up email yet, thank you for your patience. We’ve received an overwhelming response and are working through sign-ups as we are able. You can come directly to the Volunteer Center today whether you’ve received a follow-up email or not.

VOLUNTEER INSTRUCTIONS
-Do not show up at affected areas unless directed by Emergency Management, Volunteer Fox Cities, or other official volunteer response groups.
-Volunteers must check-in, complete a liability waiver, and receive a safety briefing before being deployed.
-Wear closed-toe, sturdy footwear, comfortable clothing appropriate for the weather, Sunscreen, and bring a valid driver’s license or photo ID
-Minors under 18 are allowed to volunteer ONLY If accompanied by a parent or guardian and parent/guardian completes the waiver on their behalf.
– Meals, snacks, beverages, restrooms and porta potties are available on-site for volunteers.

FINANCIAL DONATION INSTRUCTIONS
-If you are able, please donate money instead of items through our trusted partners at United Way Fox Cities and Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region. Money allows the emergency responders, nonprofits, and community organizations “on the ground” flexibility to get what is needed most, where it’s needed most. Donate at: https://unitedwayfoxcities.org/tornado/

ITEM DONATION DROPOFF INSTRUCTIONS
-Individual donations and small vehicles enter via the campus main entrance as shown on the map.
-Large trucks and any bulk donations should enter via University Ave.
-At this time, please DO NOT BRING water or clothing. Community Clothes Closet also off of Midway Rd. can accept clothing Monday – Friday, 9 am – 1 pm. Gunderson Cleaners will also accept donations at any of their Fox Valley Locations.
-DO BRING non-perishable food, Gatorade, protein drinks, disposable plates/utensils/cups, garbage bags, trash grabbers, personal protective equipment (work gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, safety vests), hygiene products (sensitive skin appreciated!)

ITEM DONATION PICKUP INSTRUCTIONS
-Victims of the storm may shop the donation center and volunteers will help load your vehicle. We have boxes and totes available.
-Please be ready to check-in with your name and address.
-Trained Emotional Support volunteers will be available.
-Hmong and Spanish interpreters will be available.

A thousand thanks to this community for all the ways you’ve shown up to care for our neighbors. You inspire us! ❤️👏🏻  

Our region experienced severe storm damage on July 27, and our hearts are with everyone whose lives have been impacted. We know how difficult it is to see neighbors hurting and want to jump in immediately. That instinct to help is what makes this community so special.

Right now, the most helpful thing we can do is respond with care, patience, and intention.

Four Ways You Can Help Right Now

(1) Stay out of affected areas

  • Please help keep emergency response efforts moving safely and efficiently.
    • Follow the guidance of first responders.
    • Do not enter damaged areas unless you have been specifically asked to respond.
    • Stay away from downed power lines.
    • Never drive around barricades.
  • Entering unsafe areas can create additional risks and slow the work of emergency personnel who are responding to urgent needs.


(2) Be patient and think & act local

  • Emergency management teams are focused on life safety and immediate priorities. Please wait to volunteer until specific requests for assistance have been identified.
  • In the meantime, make a difference close to home by checking in on neighbors, especially older adults, people with disabilities, and others who may need extra support.
  • Volunteer Fox Cities and our established emergency volunteer response partners will share updates as volunteer opportunities become available.


(3) Share trusted information and watch for scams

  • Unfortunately, disasters can attract fraudulent activity.
    • Donate only to local organizations you know and trust.
    • Be cautious of fake fundraisers and unlicensed or fraudulent contractors.
    • Avoid sharing rumors or unverified information on social media.
  • Sharing accurate information helps protect our community and ensures resources reach those who need them most.


(4) Our Community will get through this together

  • Our community is strong because people show up for one another in many different ways. Every act of kindness, support, and patience helps move recovery forward.
  • Take time to check in on family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers. Traumatic events can have lasting impacts on mental health. If you or someone you know needs support, visit myconnectionnew.org.
  • If your property has been damaged, call 211 to report the damage.

As we learn more about specific volunteer needs, we’ll continue to share updates through our Get Connected volunteer platform, social media, and email.

 

In the meantime, we encourage you to create an account on our Get Connected platform so you’re ready to volunteer when opportunities become available.

Together, we’ll help our community recover—one neighbor at a time.

Create Your Get Connected Account Here
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Stay Connected on LinkedIn

Do you need help? Recovery Assistance 

If you have been impacted by the storm and need recovery assistance, contact 211 Wisconsin, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

📞 Dial 211 to report your recovery needs. This free and confidential service will connect you with local programs and services that may be able to help.

You can also visit:
https://211wisconsin.communityos.org

Report Property Damage

If your property has been damaged, please report it by:

  • Calling 211, or
  • Completing the online damage report form:
    https://211wisconsin.communityos.org/damage-report

Submitting a damage report helps local emergency managers and community organizations understand where the greatest needs exist and coordinate recovery efforts more effectively.

Donation Pick-up Instructions

Storm survivors may access donated items through the donation center.

  • Victims of the storm may shop the donation center, and volunteers will assist with loading vehicles. Located at the old UW-Fox Campus on Midway Road in Menasha (1478 Midway Rd)
  • Boxes and totes are available.
  • Please be prepared to check in with your name and address.
  • Trained Emotional Support volunteers will be available.
  • Hmong and Spanish interpreters will be available.