Ways to donate, volunteer, resources, and more
On Friday, March 31st, a deadly storm system producing a tornado ripped through the Wabash Valley – leaving a wake of destruction in its path.
The devastation was felt the strongest by the communities of Robinson, IL and Sullivan, IN. Six fatalities have been confirmed between both locations.
As each community begins the process of recovering and rebuilding, we’re here to lend a hand with an ever-growing list of resources for those effected, ways to volunteer and donate, and more.
See below for information about and for each of these communities.
For continuing coverage on the storms and recovery efforts, visit https://www.mywabashvalley.com/.
Mayor Clint Lamb of Sullivan discusses relief and recovery efforts.
Sullivan, IN
Personal Items
Donations of clothing are NOT currently needed.
Items that are needed at this time include:
- non-perishable food
- Gatorade & other sports drinks
- feminine products
- baby wipes
- diapers/pull-ups
- specialized formula
- new pillows
- gently used/new strollers
- unexpired car seats
- folders
- pens
- notebooks
- storage bins
- cleaning supplies
- paper products (toilet paper, tissues, paper plates)
- plastic cutlery
These items can be delivered to:
Sullivan Civic Center, 344 N Main Street, Sullivan, IN
You can also text HELPSULLIVAN to 41444 thanks to the United Way of the Wabash Valley.
Pets
The Sullivan County Humane Society is currently in need of the following items:
Shelter supplies:
- Purina Dog and Puppy Chow
- Purina Cat and Kitten Chow
- Clay cat litter
- Donations for the public needed:
- Any brand cat and dog food
- Cat litter
- Dog collars and leashes
- Small cat carriers
Items can be dropped off at the shelter – located at 2425 N Section St – or at the Sullivan Burger King.
The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army of Sullivan and the Salvation Army’s Indiana Division are on the ground providing meals, hydration, and emotional and spiritual care.
To directly support The Salvation Army’s efforts, you can give online at HelpSalvationArmy.org or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY.
One hundred percent of your donation will go to directly serve those impacted by this event.
The Salvation Army in Sullivan County does not have the capacity to handle donations of goods at this time, but monetary donations are much needed. First Financial Bank has set up Salvation Army Red Kettles at all three bank branches in the county and are collecting donations for relief efforts.
Monetary donations to support the Sullivan community’s tornado relief efforts can be made through the Wabash Valley Community Foundation’s fund. You can donate online here or by sending you gift to the following address:
Help Sullivan Recover
WV Community Foundation
200 S. 8th St.
|Terre Haute, IN 47807
To volunteer time or resources, Sullivan County officials ask that you DO NOT SELF DEPLOY but instead volunteer in coordination with Sullivan County Emergency Operations Center by dialing 812-268-6257, EXT 1
If you or a loved one have been displaced from the storm, here’s what you need to know.
Sullivan residents can receive disaster assistance from the Salvation Army on April 19th from 10AM to 6PM and the 19th from 8AM to 4PM. No appointments are needed, residents just need to bring a photo ID to the Salvation Army office on the second floor of 32 S. Court Street in Sullivan. Anyone who has lost clothing, food or household items due to the tornado are encouraged to participate.
Abundant Grace Church, located at 761 IN 154 Sullivan, IN (behind Walmart), is open and offering shelter, food, and other resources courtesy of the American Red Cross.
Housing Vouchers are available to residents in need of a place to stay. They are currently available at Sullivan City Hall located at 110 N. Main Street. Residents should contact city hall to apply for those vouchers.
City Hall continues to serve as the reunification center for those looking for loved ones as well.
This week, a number of government organizations will be on hand in Sullivan to provide document replacement and other resources to those impacted by the storm.
Agencies will be set up at Sullivan City Hall – located at 110 N. Main Street in Sullivan – Monday through Friday from 9a-7p and Saturday from 10a – 2p.
Agencies on hand include:
- Indiana Department of Homeland Security: recovery resources and information.
- Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles: Reproduction of identification, permits, title replacement, registrations, and license plates.
- Indiana Department of Insurance: Interpretation of insurance policies, information on lost or damaged policies, obtaining copies of insurance policies, and car insurance assistance.
- Indiana Department of Workforce Development, Apply for state unemployment benefits; Information on services available through the WorkOne offices.
- Family and Social Services Administration: Replace Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit cards, Health coverage application assistance.
- Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority: Emergency hotel vouchers and short-term rental assistance for persons in need of immediate housing.
- Indiana Department of Health: Replacement of vital records (birth and death certificates), WIC assistance, and referrals for health services.
Hoosiers may also call 211 for referrals to services and to report damage. However, damage reports to 211 do not constitute as an official application for assistance.
The Salvation Army of Sullivan County will be providing financial help on Wednesday, April 12th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the First Christian Church – located at 105 N. Broad Street. Please enter through the southwest door. No appointment is needed but a photo ID is required.
The Sullivan County Lions Club is now the base for long term tornado relief donations. The donation center will now be located at the Odd Fellows building – located at 26 W. Washington. Those wishing to donate or in need of items should do so there. If you would like to assist with donations and distributions at the Odd Fellows building, click here to sign up.
Join the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce and West Central Indiana Small Business Development Center at the fairgrounds conference room THIS FRIDAY 4/14/2023 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM for business recovery support. Experts can help with insurance claims advice, business recovery planning, resource support, and general troubleshooting.
Counseling is one on one, and confidential. Please bring any financial statements, tax returns, inventory lists, or other business documents to help us support you. If you can’t make this Friday, business advisors will be available every Friday at the Fairgrounds conference room, or you can make an appointment by calling 812.237.7676.
For questions, please contact the West Central Indiana Small Business Development Center at 812.237.7676 or the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce at 812.905.0131.
Robinson, IL
The United Way of Crawford County, IL has established a Crawford Tornado Relief Fund with all donations going to benefit local victims of the March 31, 2023 tornado. Visit their website for donation information.
Pet Donations can be made to Crawford County Animal Control 10280 N 900th St Robinson.
Monetary Donations can be made at the Crawford County Annex 100 S Douglas St Robinson – please see Treasurer Rikki Calloway.
Physical Donations can be made at Highland Church of Christ, however, it is currently at capacity. You can message the church directly via their Facebook page to inquire about future needs.
Highland Community Church of Christ is located at 500 W Highland Ave, Robinson, IL 62454.
You can also call CC EMA at 618-469-3040 for information about other drop off points.
Meal Donations – Responders will not be staging at the Robinson Community Center anymore.
For drop off sites, to donate, volunteer, feed emergency responders and all other inquiries call the Crawford County Emergency Management
If you would like to volunteer time or resources, Crawford County Emergency Management Agency asks that you DO NOT SELF DEPLOY.
Instead, please volunteer in coordination with CCEMA by calling 618-469-3040. Calls will be accepted after 9am.
Crawford county residents effected by the storm are encouraged to apply for grant money from the Illinois Realtors Association. Grants are worth up to $500 and can be used to pay, monthly mortgage expenses for the primary residence that was damaged in the March 31/April 1 tornado, rental cost of temporary shelter due to displacement and unreimbursed losses directly related to the disaster.
Perdue in KY donated a large shipment of frozen chicken – bulk, individual packages, and ground chicken/turkey. This will be available for ANYONE IN THE COUNTY- distribution is underway on 4/10 at:
Robinson Food Pantry. 5p-6p
602 E Pine St
Robinson, IL
This will be available during any hours they are open – the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the Month from 5p-6p and every Wednesday 9:30a-11:30a.
If you have been impacted and are in need of a warming center, please call the Crawford County Sheriffs Office at 618-546-1515 for information and assistance.
If you are in need of supplies or other necessities, you can pick up items at Highland Community Church of Christ from 9a-4p. More information can be found on their Facebook page.
If you or someone you know is struggling with an emotional crisis, you are encourage to contact the 24/7 Crawford County Mental Health Crisis Line.
618-943-5766: 24/7 Crisis Line
855-824-2428: 24/7 Crisis Text
If you need assistance from volunteers on your property, please call Crawford County Emergency Management Agency at 618-469-3040 for assistance. Calls will be accepted after 9am.
The American Red Cross is set up outside the Robinson Community Center if you are in need of assistance. You can also contact the Crawford County EMA office for assistance. Monetary donations are being accepted by the county treasurer at 100 Douglas Street in Robinson, IL, (618) 544-2614
