Volunteer Opportunities in IowaEastern Iowa was hit hard in the spring of 2008, first with a tornado in the Parkersburg, IA area and just a few weeks later with serious flooding in the Waterloo to Cedar Rapids area. The RCA Volunteer Office is working closely with local partners in both areas to accommodate volunteer teams. Currently, the following options are available: Parkersburg, Iowa Tornado ResponseThough the tornado hit Parkersburg in May 2008, there remains significant need for volunteers to assist with reconstruction: - Housing - Area churches will accommodate volunteer teams. You will need your own sleeping bag, pillow, and mattress.
- Food - You will be responsible to purchase and prepare your meals. There will be kitchen facilities available. You may choose to eat some of your meals in local restaurants, which are up and functioning fully.
- Tools - Bring work gloves, hat, and sturdy shoes/work boots. If you have tools (hammers, saws, power equipment, etc.) bring those as well.
- Contact/Additional Information - To schedule a date for your group, contact Nancy Ellens in the Volunteer Office at 800-968-3943, ext. 243 or nellens@rca.org.
- Costs - There is no charge for housing in local churches. However, each individual is encouraged to make a contribution to assist with the purchase of materials. (Contributions can be made directly to Pastor Ooms who will direct them to the Classis of Pleasant Prairie Disaster Relief Fund.)
Iowa Flood ResponseWe are currently working with two partners that are responding to the floods: Cedar Hills Community Church, an RCA congregation in Cedar Rapids, has been housing volunteers since shortly after the floods last spring. They welcome RCA teams to stay with them. Although Cedar Hills Community Church may be able to refer teams to agencies that can find work for them, they do NOT coordinate the work themselves. - Housing - The church can accommodate up to ten individuals in their temporary bunk house inside the church and a few more, if necessary, on the floor. Volunteers will need to provide their own sleeping bag, mattress, pillow, and personal hygiene supplies. Showers are available at a YMCA about a half mile away.
- Food - The church has a large kitchen that groups can use for cooking. Groups are expected to purchase and prepare their own food, although occasionally church members cook dinner for groups. There are also numbers of local restaurants groups can eat at when they desire.
- Work Opportunities - The church does not directly coordinate work assignments. However, the church can put groups in contact with other local agencies who are coordinating work. Contact Marie Schulte, Director of Team Ministry, at 319-396-6608 or marie@chccrca.org for referrals.
- Tools - Bring work gloves, hat, and sturdy shoes/work boots. If you have tools (hammers, saws, power equipment, etc.) bring those as well.
- Costs - Lodging is $10 per person per night with an additional $10 per person per day if we supply the meals. Contributions can also be made to Cedar Hills Community Church, who will channel the funds into the disaster response.
- Contact - To make arrangements or for more information, contact Marie Schulte at 319-396-6608 or marie@chccrca.org.
First United Methodist Church of Marion, IowaFirst United Methodist Church has acted as a planning and coordinating center since just days after the floods. First United Methodist is coordinating the placement of groups in the following towns and cities that were impacted by the floods: Cedar Rapids, Waterloo/Cedar Falls, Oakville, Palo, Olin, and Waverly. - Housing - Groups will stay primarily in churches. Arrangements will vary with the location but groups should always expect to provide their own sleeping bag, mattress, and pillow. Showers will always be available but sometimes are off site.
- Food - Groups should plan to provide and cook their own food. Kitchen and refrigeration facilities will be available. Numerous restaurants are also available.
- Tools - Bring work gloves, hat, and sturdy shoes/work boots. If you have tools (hammers, saws, power equipment, etc.) bring those as well.
- Costs - Cost of lodging is $10 per person per night. In addition, each individual volunteer is also encouraged to make a contribution to First United Methodist Church to help cover the cost of this ministry.
- Contact - Groups can register at http://www.fumcmarion.org/Flood/Floodteams.html. For more information, contact Pastor Melisa Bracht-Wagner at 319-480-4469 or melisa@fumcmarion.org.
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