Devastating damage was caused by a tornado that touched down in Dexter Thursday evening. The American Red Cross estimates that 13 Dexter homes were completely destroyed and more than 200 homes have been severely damaged. Fortunately, no deaths or serious injures have been reported.
Many Washtenaw County residents are looking at the pictures and videos from the aftermath of Thursday evening’s storm and wondering how they can help.
According to the Washtenaw County Chapter of the American Red Cross, the best way to help the victims of the tornadoes in Dexter and southeast Michigan is to make a monetary donation to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. Donations can be made online or by calling (734) 971-5300.
Based on the needs of the Dexter community, the Red Cross has moved their services to the Creekside Intermediate School to offer water, snacks and health services as well as provide service information.
The United Way of Washtenaw County has established a Dexter Area Tornado Relief Fund to support the victims of Thursday’s storms. In addition, the United Way of Washtenaw County is accepting donations of food, clothing and other items. For more information, visit their website.
There has been an overwhelming outpouring from people who want to volunteer to help the victims of the Dexter tornado. Dexter township has asked that those interested in volunteering fill out an online volunteer form.
Busch’s Fresh Food Market is launching a fundraiser throughout their 15 southeast Michigan stores. When making a purchase at any of their stores, you can round up the change on your purchase to donate to the relief effort.
The LaFontaine Automotive Group and Chelsea State Bank established the Dexter Relief Fund to support area residents who were affected by the devastating storm. People can donate water, food or supplies to LaFontaine Chevrolet at 7120 Dexter-Ann Arbor Rd in Dexter. Monetary donations can be made by calling (734) 426-4677 or by visiting their website.
Donations of non-perishable food and beverages are being accepted at the following locations:
Food Gatherers
1 Carrot Way
(734) 761-2796
St. Andrew’s United Church of Christ
7610 Ann Arbor Street
(734) 426-8610
St. Joseph Parish
6805 Mast Road
(734) 426-8483
Creekside Intermediate School is continuing to collect donations. Below is a list of a few specific needs that would be greatly appreciated:
- Gas cards (e.g. for families who need to commute from hotels by Briarwood Mall to school every day)
- Gluten-free foods
- Sugar-free foods
- Low-carb foods
- Healthy individual serving size items for lunchboxes
- Pull-up diapers
- Young boys’ clothing (laundered or new)
- Kids’ books
- Swimsuits and towels (for the open swims at Wylie)
- Lunchboxes
- Backpacks
- 3-ring binders
- Looseleaf paper
- Dividers
- Two-pocket folders
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