EAST PEORIA — In an attempt to provide the ICC community with some focus amidst the aftermath of the Nov. 17 tornadoes that crossed our region, the Harbinger has compiled a list of local resources and locations that individuals can use to help in the relief efforts or get assistance when needed.

To Volunteer:

There are many ways for groups and individuals to help the affected communities. When volunteering for the relief effort, one should come prepared for the job they intend to do. If you will be working in the areas of destruction, wear durable, outdoor clothing and protective wear on your eyes, hands and feet.

(1) East Peoria — ICC CougarPlex @ 1 College Drive — Americorps St. Louis

This is the official organization coordinating volunteer clean-up efforts for Tazewell County and is open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. everyday. Individual volunteers: (309) 698-5002   Groups or large equipment contributions: (309) 698-5003

(2) Washington — Farmhouse @ 27625 Dutch Lane — Bethany Community Church

Teams of volunteers depart daily until 2 p.m. Check their Facebook page for current volunteer needs. A link can be found at “www.bethanycommunitychurch.org.” Or call (309) 508-1755 for 24-hour assistance.

(3) Washington — Storefront @ 2 Sunnyland Plaza — Washington Chamber of Commerce

Volunteers needed daily from 8:30 a.m. till 5:30 p.m. for at least the next two weeks to help sort donations and distribute them to tornado victims as they arrive. No need to register; just stop by the converted storefront behind Papa John’s Pizza to help out.

(4) Morton — Grace Church @ 1325 East Jefferson Street — Samaritan’s Purse

Volunteer teams depart Monday – Saturday at 7:15 a.m. each day (noon on Sundays) and are gone until 5 p.m. Individuals must commit to the whole duration. Volunteers do not need to register; just come to the address at the correct time.

(5) Pekin — HOPE Chest @ 1106 Derby Street — Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce

Volunteers are needed to help receive and process donations. Call (309) 620-9043 and ask for Dave of Lynne to sign up.

 To Give:

Some organizations are taking donations while others are not. Here    are local groups that are still taking donations in the form of money  and/or goods:

 (1) East Peoria — ICC @ 1 College Drive — Illinois Central College  & Red Cross

 Goods can be donated at Human Resources in office 339G for future distribution.

Monetary donations can be delivered in person to the ICC Foundation in office L411 or electronically to ICC’s “tornado relief fund” under “special funds” on “www.icc.edu/iccfoundation.” Also, Red Cross monetary donations are being collected in the cafeteria’s food court, the ICC bookstore, and Cafe Breve.

(2) Washington — 403 James Parkway — Highview Christian Church

Accepting donations of anything but furniture for distribution to other relief organizations. Open Tuesday Nov. 26 (10 a.m. till 5 p.m.). Call (309) 256-8099 with questions.

(3) Washington — 2442 Centennial Drive — Highview Church of God

Accepting all donations except clothes. Donations of gift cards, cash, and household goods perfered. Open Monday – Saturday 10 a.m. till 7 p.m. (309) 745-9247

(4) Washington — 474 Grange Road — Hopewell Grange

After Thanksgiving, this local organization will be collecting more food and home goods to distribute to anyone in need. Location hours are 9 a.m. till noon Monday through Friday. Monetary donations are always excepted.

(5) Washington — 2 Sunnyland Plaza — Washington Chamber of Commerce

Taking non-clothing goods donations at their converted storefront behind Papa John’s Pizza from 8:30 a.m. till 5:30 p.m. for at least the next two weeks. Monetary donations not accepted.

(6) Washington — Washington Community Bank @ 1895 Washington Road — City of Washington

Monetary donations to the City of Washington are being collected at all Hometown Community Banks, including the Washington branch. Donations can be made to the City as a whole or specifically the Washington schools via the Washington Schools Tornado Relief Fund, #568-511.

(7) Pekin — HOPE Chest @ 1106 Derby Street — Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce

The HOPE Chest is a collection site for non-perishable food and drink items as well as clothes, flashlights and tarps. (309) 620-9043

(8) Central Illinois — www.redcross.org — Red Cross

Monetary donations can be made to the Red Cross’s relief efforts by making an online donation and typing “Central Illinois Tornado Relief” with your donation. To donate, you can also call 1-800-RED-CROSS, or text Redcross to 90999 to donate $10 automatically.

To Get Help:

Those seeking help can reach out to these local resources for assistance with things such as shelter, food, clothing and other needed items. It is good practice to carry some form of identification with you when seeking assistance.

(1) East Peoria — ICC CougarPlex @ 1 College Drive — Americorps St. Louis

This is the official organization coordinating volunteer clean-up efforts for Tazewell County

Homeowners are asked to call (309) 698-5001 if they need clean-up assistance. Call are taken 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. everyday, and messages left after hours will be responded to.

(2) Washington — 2442 Centennial Drive — Highview Church of God

Giving out food items as well as clothes and home goods. Open Monday – Saturday 10 a.m. till 7 p.m. (309) 745-9247

(3) Washington — Crossroads Church @ 1420 North Main Street — Salvation Army

Free lunches are being served at Crossroads Church daily at least until Wednesday.

(4) Washington — Five Points Washington @ 360 Wilmor Road — Multi-Agency Resource Center

Dozens of public and private organizations have converged at Five Points to offer affected citizens a single location to get all of their legal, social, and non-emergency medical needs taken care of. Tuesday Nov. 26 is the final day for victims to utilize this centralized location for resources. The center is open 8 a.m. till 7 p.m. Meals are served there at noon and 5 p.m.

(5) Washington — 474 Grange Road — Hopewell Grange

This local organization has clothes, food, and home goods to distribute to anyone in need. Location hours are 9 a.m. till noon Monday through Friday, but victims can call (309) 232-1478 at any time to get personalized assistance.

(6) Washington — 705 East Jefferson Street — St. Patrick Parish

Open seven days a week 9 a.m. till 5 p.m. to give away food, clothes, and general goods to those in need. Also providing hot meals as needed.

(7) Washington — 2 Sunnyland Plaza — Washington Chamber of Commerce

Distributing clothing, food, and general goods at their converted storefronts. One is behind Papa John’s Pizza and the other is next to Dollar General. Open 9 a.m. till 5 p.m.

(8) Washington — Washington Community High School

WCHS is attempting to assist in transportation for children to and from the school. Affected families can call (309) 444-5505 to inquire about assistance.

(9) Morton — Grace Church @ 1325 East Jefferson Street — Samaritan’s Purse

Homeowners in need of general clean-up assistance can call (828) 358-0339.

(10) Pekin — HOPE Chest @ 1106 Derby Street — Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce

The HOPE Chest is distributing non-perishable food and drink items as well as clothes, flashlights and tarps to Pekin and East Peoria residents in need. (309) 620-9043