MCUW connects donations, volunteers to fire victims

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas -- To date, Montgomery County United Way has raised over $25,000 to aid fire victims in Montgomery County. Donations came from over 115 donors through MCUW's website, HelpOurCounty.org or to MCUW directly. Most recently, Amegy Bank donated $3,600 including a $2,500 corporate donation and $1,100 from employees.

The Houston Astros has listed Montgomery County United Way as one of the beneficiaries of their “Action Foundation Marketplace to be held September 23 - 25. A Kingwood Singles Meet-up recently held a benefit for the 2011 Fire victims. Area Sweet Tomatoes stores will be hosting fundraisers to benefit United Way.

Some of the donations included gift cards to be distributed to area victims through Society of Samaritans in Magnolia. The remaining donations will be spent identified needs that arise to help people get back on their feet. Nicky Kelly, Montgomery County’s Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator, has reported that a total of twelve homes have been destroyed in Montgomery County.

On Sept. 16, Montgomery County was added to the Presidential Disaster Declaration. Montgomery County United Way has been looking at the long term recovery services needed by area families, coordinating local resources with state and federal resources. Area families who need to reach FEMA will need to call 1-800-621-FEMA for assistance.

HelpOurCounty.org was thoroughly tested during fire response for volunteers and donation management. Over 8,000 unique visitors were tracked on the site from the Tuesday after the Labor Day fires to date. Over 750 volunteer opportunities were connected. If area citizens volunteered in Montgomery County, they are encouraged to visit or re-visit the site to log their hours. Volunteer hours can be counted toward local matches for federal funds needed by local non-profit organizations.

MCUW’s President Julie Martineau, along with Nancy O’Neil, a dedicated staff person to facilitate fire victim resources, are creating regular updates featured on the agency’s website. Updates include information on local non-profit efforts such as Red Cross, Society of Samaritans, Tri-County Services, and Montgomery County Food Bank. First Baptist Church of Magnolia has been very involved in immediate relief efforts. The updates also include information on legal assistance, tax relief from the state, pets and temporary housing.

If local non-profit organizations have volunteer opportunities, they are encouraged to post them on HelpOurCounty.org. Monetary donations are still being accepted by Montgomery County United Way, donate via MCUW's website or HelpOurCounty.org or directly by calling MCUW at 281 292-4155, ext. 235. American Red Cross and Friends of Texas Wildlife are also accepting monetary donations. More information can be found in the updates on the MCUW website.

Montgomery County United Way would also like to recognize several organizations who provided food to first responders during the early responses to fire: Montgomery County Homeless Coalition, Papa John’s Pizza in Magnolia and Quiznos in Magnolia. MCUW would also like to publicly thank the 19 fire organizations in Montgomery County who have responded and continue to respond to the fires.