How to help

Complete Arkansas storm coverage and relief information

People across Arkansas are rallying to help those hit Sunday night by tornadoes. Churches, schools, universities and banks are among the places that have set up dropoff locations for critically needed items. This is a small part of the list. More places were listed on 4A of Tuesday’s, Wednesday’s and Thursday’s editions. A complete list is online at arkansasonline.com/storms/howtohelp

Items needed baby needs - diapers, wipes, formula batteries, flashlights blankets, cots bottled water chain saws, fuel, bar oil contact cases, saline solution food, nonperishable insect repellent, sunscreen paper towels, toilet paper pet food, supplies plastic tubs, storage containers shovels tarps, heavy plastic drop cloths toiletries, soap, hand sanitizer trash bags work gloves

Where to get help

The Federal Emergency Management Agency urges anyone whose property was damaged to apply for disaster assistance with FEMA. The presidential disaster declaration, issued Tuesday, makes federal assistance available to eligible individuals and business owners. Online registration can be done at disasterassistance.gov or by smartphone at m.fema.gov. Applicants also may call (800) 621-3362 or (TTY) (800) 462-7585. If 711-Relay or Video Relay Services is used, the number is (800) 621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

The state Department of Finance and Administration announced that special tax relief will be provided to taxpayers in the counties declared state disaster areas. The phone number is (501) 682-7924 to be directed to a specialist for help, including fi ling returns. In addition, taxpayers are reminded that if they have a casualty loss resulting from a federally declared disaster, they may be able to deduct that loss on income-tax returns or amended income-tax returns for the tax year immediately preceding the tax year in which the disaster occurred.

Where to donate

Two schools in the Little Rock School District are collecting goods from the public. Don Roberts Elementary, 16601 LaMarche Road, is collecting until May 14. J.A. Fair High School, 13420 David O. Dodd Road, is taking items today.

The University of Central Arkansas, which is collecting goods, next week kicks off Bear Boots on the Ground, a week-long volunteer disaster-recovery effort. Faculty, staff, student and alumni volunteers will work daily shifts next week, Monday-Friday. UCA buses will pick up volunteers each day at 7:30 a.m. and again at 12 p.m. outside Reynolds Performance Hall. Volunteers will be returned to Reynolds Performance Hall. Other volunteers and alumni are encouraged to use personal vehicles if bus space is not available.