How You Can Help The Midwest Flood Victims

It’s the worst Midwest flooding in 15 years, and residents are bracing themselves for the possibility of continued downpour, levee breaks and a painful cleanup process.

The damage so far? Thirty-six thousand Iowans have been evacuated as flood waters submerged more than nine-square miles of land, and Iowa City officials confirmed that 400 homes suffered significant damage. And Iowa’s problems extend well beyond rising water levels. Stagnant waters are a breeding ground for mosquitoes, and the stench from water contaminated by sewage, chemicals, and fuel can be unbearable.

At the same time, floodwaters have already damaged about 20% of the state’s corn and soybean crops, which means that next ear of corn you purchase will probably cost a little more. The price of ethanol—a corn-based fuel—is also expected to rise.

There is some positive news: Relief assistance continues to make its way into the area. Here’s MainStreet's look at which corporations are making donations, and how you can help:

GoDaddy.com
The Internet Web hosting site donated $100,000 to the Cedar Rapids, Iowa Salvation Army, and plans to donate food, clothing and sanitizers to various shelters. (GoDaddy has facilities in Iowa, but none were affected by the floods.) In addition to donations, employees are lending a hand with the Iowa relief effort.

AT&T (T)
The AT&T Foundation contributed $500,000 to the American Red Cross of Great Indianapolis, Ind. The communications company also launched a program to assist any affected employee and retiree, who—through the foundation’s Employee Disaster Relief Fund—is eligible to apply for short-term financial assistance.

Anheuser-Busch (BUD)
The St. Louis-based brewer might be in the middle of a bidding war, but the beer company donated 2,150 cases of drinking water to Wisconsin flood victims.

Target (TGT)
The retail store with Minnesota roots donated $100,000 in cash to the American Red Cross, The Salvation Army and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Target also announced plans to distribute bottled water to communities in danger.

Indianapolis Colts
This top NFL team will aid Indiana flood victims during their Fan Fest tours – an event celebrating the team’s 25th football season and new field. Those attending the event are asked to donate money to the American Red Cross’ Disaster Relief Fund. The Colts will up match up to $10,000 of the proceeds. Anyone interested in donating can head to Headwaters Park in Fort Wayne, Indiana on June 20.

Indiana’s Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Here’s a trip to the BMV that’s worth standing in line for. Branches of Indiana’s BMV are accepting non-perishable foods and diapers, all of which will be distributed to local relief agencies throughout the state.

You (Yes, you!)
Donate money to the American Red Cross, or
find the nearest area church or community center accepting donations. (Items such as shampoo, blankets and non-perishable foods are usually accepted.) Can’t find a church or local relief agency in your area? Well then, call on neighbors, stores and businesses to donate anything they can: time, money or effort. Everything counts!

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