Culver Says Thanks and Asks Us To Do More

Today, Governor Chet Culver commended Iowa volunteers for their historic response to this year's severe weather, and he called for continued involvement throughout the rebuilding process.

“In the days and weeks following the tornados and floods, Iowans responded,” said Governor Culver. “I want to thank the thousands of citizens who rolled up their sleeves and gave their best efforts to help their fellow Iowans. Donations of cash and services are still needed in communities statewide, and I encourage all Iowans who are able to donate, to do so. In the coming months and years, every dollar will count toward helping thousands of Iowans and hundreds of communities return to normalcy.”

Since the start of the disaster on May 25, Iowans and people across the country have donated resources to help those affected get back on their feet. Thus far, more than 33,000 people have stepped up to volunteer a total of almost 800,000 hours to help rebuild the state by clearing debris, gutting homes and assisting with volunteer coordination. This is in addition to the tens of thousands of volunteers that answered the immediate call to help sandbag, work in shelters and feed those impacted during the response phase of the disaster.

Since the storms, philanthropic individuals have donated nearly $1 million in goods.

"Iowans have shown generosity, resilience and optimism in the face of real challenges. We have proved once again that our ‘spirit of service’ can move mountains,” Governor Culver continued. “Now, I am asking all Iowans to once again answer the call to help our fellow citizens.”

People interested in volunteer and/or donation opportunities are encouraged to join an established organization in their community already assisting disaster victims. Hundreds of organizations participated in the disaster response, and there are at least 40 community and faith-based organizations actively organizing volunteers.

For more information about volunteer opportunities, interested individuals are encouraged to visit the Rebuild Iowa Office's Web site at www.rio.iowa.gov.