How to Help Flood Victims; What and Where to Donate

News9.com

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Families are busy trying to clean up their homes from Monday's flood, and they need all the help they can get.

The Christmas Connection is teaming up with LifeChurch.tv to collect items for homeowners in need. The biggest request has been for fans since air conditioning is out in all of the homes in the Valley Neighborhood.

"It's so hot out here. Very hot. I'm using fans to help dry out my house too. I don't know what I would do without the help from LifeChurch.tv and other volunteers," said flood victim Cindy McWilliams.

She said she's been humbled by the help of strangers.

"Next time there is a disaster. I'm going to be there for people," McWilliams said.

The homes in the area of Western Avenue and North 172nd Street received anywhere from three inches to five feet of water, and the vast majority of home owners did not have flood insurance.

The disaster couldn't have come at a worse time for home owner Wayne Littlefield who got laid off in November.

"If it wasn't for community and friends to help carry stuff out and help us through the crisis. They're precious. I give my thanks to all of them. I don't have enough words to thank the people from Life Church and the people that just stop by," Littlefield said.

The immediate needs are:

Fans - the air conditioning is out in all of the homes

Boxes - families are boxing up their remaining items for storage or temporarily moving to other locations

Toiletries and personal hygiene items

Trash bags

Ice and water or gator aid

Volunteers

Donations can be dropped off at any LifeChurch.tv location. Volunteers can show up at the corner of Sunny Hollow Road and 172nd Street to help out.

LifeChurch.tv is also planning a Garage Giveaway where flood victims can pick out items to rebuild their home. The event is scheduled for the second weekend of July. You can donate to that cause by dropping of larger gently used household items like furniture or appliances at the LifeChurch.tv location at NW178th and Pennsylvania Avenue.