2026 Storm Response

Volunteer Fox Cities Office Closed Until Further Notice: Volunteer Fox Cities staff are actively supporting tornado recovery efforts, and regular office operations are suspended until further notice.

The Volunteer Reception Center at the UW-Oshkosh Fox Cities campus (1478 Midway Rd., Menasha)

How You Can Help Right Now

Tornado Recovery Response Update | Updated July 31, 2026, at 9:00 AM

PLEASE REVIEW THE UPDATED MAP FOR DONATION CENTER DROP OFF LOCATION CHANGE
The Volunteer Reception Center at the UW-Oshkosh Fox Cities campus (1478 Midway Rd., Menasha) is open today from 8:00 AM–5:00 PM.

Shopping hours will continue to be 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

VOLUNTEER UPDATE

Volunteer check-in is available until 3:00 PM, with the final volunteer deployments leaving at 3:00 PM. NO NEW VOLUNTEERS WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER 3:00 PM.

All volunteers are welcome. Youth must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
We especially need volunteers with construction experience and those knowledgeable in safe chainsaw operations.

If possible, please bring rakes or other general yard cleanup tools. PPE is provided.

Additional volunteer parking is available next to campus at Maplewood Middle School.

We ask that you please come to the Volunteer Reception Center to volunteer for relief efforts in our community. We are in communication with local officials and have real-time information of the greatest needs for clean-up in our community. Please do not self-deploy, as this is creating traffic complications for clean-up.

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

DONATION UPDATE

PLEASE VIEW THE MAP FOR OUR NEW DONATION CENTER DROP-OFF LOCATION
Due to the overwhelming generosity of our community and limited storage capacity, only the following items will be accepted:

• Lanterns/flashlights
• Mop handles for Rubbermaid mops (we have many mop heads but need handles), plus additional mops
• Lighter fluid & long-reach/stick lighters
• Charcoal & firewood
• Bug spray
• Small fans
• Advil & Tylenol
• Small & large tarps
• Kleenex
• Q-Tips
• CPAP wipes
• Dish soap
• Canned meats (tuna, chicken, etc.)
• Body wipes
• Laundry detergent (small bottles preferred)
• Paper plates
• Napkins
• Paper towels
• Toilet paper
• Sandwich bags
• Diapers
• Non-perishable foods (e.g., pasta & sauce, single-serve cereal, ramen, rice)
• Nutritional/protein drinks
• Zero-sugar beverages
• Gatorade
• 9-volt batteries

🚫 Please do not donate alcohol, expired food, or perishable food.

Donation needs may change as recovery efforts continue. Updates will be shared through our website and social media channels.

💙 Thank you for your patience, flexibility, and incredible generosity as we support our community’s recovery.

Volunteer Instructions

  • Do not report directly to affected areas unless directed by Emergency Management, Volunteer Fox Cities, or another official volunteer response organization.

  • All volunteers must check in, complete a liability waiver, and receive a safety briefing before deployment.

  • Wear sturdy, closed-toe footwear and weather-appropriate clothing.

  • Bring sunscreen and a valid driver’s license or photo ID.

  • Volunteers under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, who must complete a waiver on their behalf.

  • Meals, snacks, beverages, restrooms, and portable restrooms are available on-site for volunteers.

FINANCIAL DONATIONS

If you are able, please consider making a financial donation instead of donating items. Financial contributions provide emergency responders, nonprofits, and community organizations with the flexibility to purchase the most needed supplies and services as conditions change.

Donate through our trusted partners: https://unitedwayfoxcities.org/tornado/ 

Item Donation Drop-Off Information

  • Individual donations and small vehicles should enter through the campus main entrance as shown on the map.

  • Large trucks and bulk donations should enter via University Avenue.

  • Please do not bring water or clothing to the donation center at this time.

  • Community Clothes Closet (off Midway Road) accepts clothing donations Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

  • Gunderson Cleaners will accept clothing donations at any Fox Valley location, with a maximum of five bags or containers per donation.

DONATION ITEM PICK UP INFORMATION

Residents impacted by the storm may visit the donation center to access available supplies.

  • Volunteers will assist with loading vehicles.

  • 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.

💙 A thousand thanks to this community for all the ways you’ve shown up to care for your neighbors. You inspire us, and your generosity is making a meaningful difference in our community’s recovery.

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
Follow Us on Facebook for the Latest Information
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.