How to help Iowa flooding victims: Here are the supplies they need (2024)

Dozens of central Iowa communities have been devastated by flooding leaving residents without homes, power and other utilities.

The area has received eight times more rain than average over the past several days, and more is possible over the next week to 10 days.

So what help is there for flood victims?

How to donate money to Iowa flooding victims

Residents looking to help can visit disasterrecovery.iowa.gov. The website will have a list of donations that have been vetted, said Iowa Department of Homeland Security Director John Benson.

“One of the things you run into unfortunately in the middle of a disaster is some bad actors,” Benson said. “Be cautious when you do donate."

Monetary donations for flood victims of Rock Valley can be given to Friends of Rock Valley at People's Bank or Premier Bank in Rock Valley.

A Venmo for Rock Valley donations is working on being set up, and the Friends of Rock Valley Foundation has been established for years.

Disaster Recovery Funds setup in northwest Iowa

Disaster Recovery Funds, which will provide grants to community organizations and service providers responding to flooding, have been activated across the region.

The following communities have activated or established DRFs:

Red Cross establishes shelters in Rock Valley

How to help Iowa flooding victims: Here are the supplies they need (1)

There are six Red Cross shelters across northwestern Iowa. They provide a place to stay for people who have been displaced from their homes, meals, comfort kits and will provide assistance for other immediate needs.

The six locations are:

Faith Reformed Church, 1305 Seventh St., Rock Valley
Trinity Christian Reformed Church, 2020 Eighth St., Rock Valley
Faith Pentecostal Church, 1700 11th Ave. SW, Spencer
CrossWinds Church, 1900 Grand Ave., Suite A, Spencer
River Valley Community School, 916 Hackberry St., Correctionville
Cherokee Washington High School, 600 West Bluff St., Cherokee, IA 51012
Tyson Events Center, 401 Gordon Drive, Sioux City, IA 51101

"This is a quickly evolving situation, and the Red Cross is prepared to adapt to provide the necessary care and comfort in the affected communities," according to a post on the Red Cross' Facebook page. "We remain in contact with local officials across the impacted areas to evaluate the needs of the residents."

More:Flooding disaster continues in northwest Iowa as Gov. Kim Reynolds seeks federal aid

Free lunch in Sioux Rapids for residents

The Buena Vista County Sheriff's Office Deputies Association will offer a lunch Wednesday for Sioux Rapids residents and cleanup volunteers. The meal will start at 11:30 a.m. at the First Lutheran Church parking lot.

How to donate supplies to Sioux Rapids, Iowa flood victims

Truckloads of donated items can go to the fire station at 810 Birch St. Smaller amounts of items can go to the Sioux Central School. No clothes are needed at this time.

Currently, the center is accepting the following:

Toilet paper
Paper towels
Hand sanitizer
Cleaning supplies
Rubber cleaning gloves
Work gloves
Basic first aid supplies
Large black contractor garbage bags

Spencer launches sign-up for volunteers to help with flooding recovery

The city of Spencer has a volunteer list available for those who want to sign up to help. You can find the link on the city of Spencer's Facebook.

How to donate supplies to Spencer, Iowa flood victims

Items for flood victims in Spencer can be dropped off at the Foundation Church located at 1410 West 18th St. The donation center does not need clothing, pillows or blankets.

Here are the needed items in Spencer, Iowa, as of Monday:

Newborn diapers
Towels
First aid kits
Wet wipes
Over the counter medication
Tums
Shampoo
Conditioner
Deodorant
Body wash
Bars of soap
Razors
Contact solution
Bug spray
Charging banks
Heavy-duty trash bags
Empty coolers
Coffee
Powered coffee creamer
Sugar
Underwear - all ages/sizes

Where to get clothing and supplies for flood victims in Rock Valley

The Boyden Hull School in Rock Valley is open Monday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for flood victims. The school will provide free clothes, supplies, shoes, bedding, towels and more. Victims are encouraged to come and take what is needed.

What supplies does Rock Valley need?

Donations are accepted at BH Community School located at 801 1st St. in Hull and will be open until 11 p.m. Monday night with supplies and available showers for victims. The city of Rock Valley still asked that no donations be taken to the churches at this time and they are only accepting new items. No used items.

Fresh bread/buns
Fresh fruit
Conditioner
Garbage bags
Lotion
Clorox wipes
Hand soap
Slides/flip flops
Baby food
Men's deodorant
Bleach
Jelly
Pillows

Gov. Kim Reynolds requests disaster aid for Iowa flooding

Gov. Kim Reynolds requested an expedited presidential major disaster declaration in response to the flooding in north central Iowa counties.

The declaration would give residents access to the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Individual Assistance Program as well as U.S. Small Business Administration disaster loans. Reynolds issued a state disaster proclamation for 22 counties.

Sioux Rapids to receive bottled water after drinking water advisory

Sioux Rapids is expected to receive a shipment of bottled water after the city declared a drinking water advisory. Residents should to drink bottled water due to potential bacteria contamination in the town's water supply from the flooding.

Buena Vista County Emergency Management Agency also asked residents to use port-a-potties because the sewer system is inundated. They are placed throughout Sioux Rapids and the county asked residents to use them as much as possible to help conserve water.

Additional aid resources missing from this list can be emailed to kkealey@registermedia.com