How to help

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 drop-off locations for critically needed items.

RELATED ARTICLE

http://www.arkansas…">Shaken Vilonia eager for schools to reopen

This is a small part of the list. More places were listed in editions Tuesday through Friday. A complete list of what and where to donate is online at arkansasonline.com/storms/howtohelp.

Items needed

Detailed lists were published earlier in the week. People need toiletries, water, nonperishable food, batteries, flashlights, and items for babies and pets. They also need containers, trash bags, tarps and tools to help clean up.

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 is available 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 filing returns.

Anyone unemployed because of the disaster may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance, according to the Arkansas Department of Workforce Services.

Claims must be filed by June 2 at Workforce Services offices from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Hours will be extended as needed. The Faulkner County office is at 1500 N. Museum Road, Suite 111, in Conway. (501) 730-9894

Where to donate

The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra will accept donations dropped off at the box office at Robinson Center Music Hall this weekend.

The Flying Saucer, 323 President Clinton Ave., Little Rock, will collect goods Sunday.

The Arkansas State University Athletics Department is collecting goods next week Monday-Friday.The department is accepting donations from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at a trailer parked outside Centennial Bank Stadium.

Front Section, Pages 4 on 05/03/2014

Upcoming Events