As you have seen on the News, an area of District 7600, Suffolk, Virginia was hit hard with 7 tornadoes on Monday at about 4:00 pm. 451 homes were damaged of which 145 were destroyed. The District Disaster Response team, led by AG Robert Harper (and Rtn Wendy Hosick) jumped into action and formed its ad hoc committee with members from the local affected Rotary Clubs. After attending the various club meetings and working with the local United Way (a Rotarian), the Salvation Army (several Rotarians) and contacts with the Red Cross (board members) we have determined our needs, as follows:

The United way is registering and screening volunteers, on behalf of the city of Suffolk. They have ample and need no more at this time.

There is not a need for in kind donations, clothing, building materials, etc.

Warehouse space is at a premium and is needed, but that seems to be a local issue.

Money is the final piece and is needed for the following purposes.

• To assist victims with their intermediate and long range needs not covered by government programs or other traditional relief services
• There will be no administrative charges on contributions received for the TRF (Tornado Recovery Fund).
• The fund distribution process will be fair, fast, efficient, understandable, and inclusive.
• Using the experience of other organizations that have been involved in disaster recovery, here are some examples of how disaster funds will be expended after eligibility is established. The examples include: food/food supplies, prescription/medical supplies not covered by insurance, rental assistance/mortgage payments for home or businesses not covered by insurance, child care assistance, utility payments, vouchers for other needed service.

The District will rely on the United Way of South Hampton Roads in many instances to assist in this process and re-distribution of funds.

Each affected Rotary Club will determine local needs and once screened quickly by the District ad hoc committee, we will distribute funds to those needs, often through a UW agency. Any left over funds will be distributed to the Tornado Recovery Fund (TRF) of the UW of S.H.R.s.

Contributions are tax deductible and the District will prepare letters of acknowledgement for the Trustee of the Warwick Rotary Foundation to sign (PDG Jim Probsdorfer) and be mailed to any and all donors.

We sincerely thank You for your assistance in this matter. More details are on the website. As soon as we get the word that the needs are being met and that there is no longer a call for funds, I will immediately send a letter to this same mailing list informing you of this good news. Thank You