Hays Post has compiled a list of organizations that are accepting donations or offering help for the victims of Wednesday's storm and fires. This is not meant to be a comprehensive list. If you would like to add information to this post, please email [email protected] or call 785-301-2077.
UPDATED 7:17 a.m. Monday, Dec. 21
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The Trego County Sherriff department has set up a fund that they are going to disperse with families in Trego County who were affected by the fires at Solutions North Bank in WaKeeney.
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There is a group of Usborne Books & More consultants from the local area who are collecting donations to provide free children’s books to the Glaze family. There is a matching donation from Usborne and the consultants are donating their commissions earned from it to the family as well. The family has approved of this book drive.
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Marty and Melinda Barth lost their house, all belongings and dog Wrangler in Wednesday’s devastating fire. Long term residents of Ellis County they live just off Highway 183.
Their daughter’s Facebook post:
We cannot thank everyone enough who has reached out to us for mom and dad! With the overwhelming amount of messages, we figured this would be easier than responding individually to each person so we don’t miss anyone. If you feel moved to send money, please send it via (Melinda Barth’s) Venmo. @Melbarth12
If you are local to Hays, gift cards to restaurants, Walmart and Dillons would also be appreciated so they can get day to day things they need.
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We would like to share a GoFundMe page to assist Peggy and Richard Shimanek. They lost the entire house and Richard lost his life. The accident happened in Wichita County south of Leoti. Richard is the father and father in law to Melissa Ginther and Doug Ginther, respectively, Hays residents.
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Glaze Family GoFundMe account.
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KLF INITIATES RELIEF EFFORTS FOR STORM VICTIMS
KLA and the Kansas Livestock Foundation will be assisting in the efforts to support ranchers affected by numerous fires and high winds across the state Dec. 15. To provide monetary donations click here. Donations may be tax deductible and 100 percent of all donations will be distributed to producers impacted by the weather event. Membership will not be required to receive funds.
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Vyve Broadband accepts donations
Vyve Broadband is now accepting donations for the WildFire Relief, now until Dec. 22. Please drop off your items at the Hays local office, 1007 W. 27th St., Hays, KS. We will accept donations for the Russell, Hays, Ellis, Plainville/Paradise/Natoma areas. Any donations will be greatly appreciated.
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Agricultural organizations collaborate to provide fire and storm relief
MANHATTAN — Kansas Farm Bureau is collaborating with the Kansas Department of Agriculture and the Kansas Livestock Association to coordinate resources and donations following the devastating wildfires and high winds on Dec. 15.
“We know Farm Bureau members of Kansas are willing and eager to help their fellow farmers and ranchers in need,” says KFB President Rich Felts. “We know from past recovery efforts, disaster assistance is most effective if it’s delivered quickly. That’s why we’re partnering with KDA and KLA to get information and relief to farmers and ranchers as fast as possible.”
The KDA resource page is the best source for those wishing to help with hay and other supplies. The page also includes contact information for farmers and ranchers who need emergency hay or have livestock welfare questions.
KLA has created a relief fund for people who wish to make monetary donations. One-hundred percent of the money collected will be distributed to affected producers, and KLA membership is not required to receive funds.
The Kansas Forest Service estimates fires burned nearly 400,000 acres in the state on Dec. 15. The largest fire charred approximately 365,000 acres in Russell, Ellis, Rooks and Osborne counties. Dubbed the Four County Fire, the wind not only fueled the blaze, it hampered firefighters from finding it initially.
“Hell would be the best way to describe it,” says Russell County Fire Chief Dustin Finkenbinder. “The dust was so bad we couldn’t see the fire. All we could do was rely on smell.”
Finkenbinder says the fire had burned about two miles by the time crews arrived on site before eventually growing 10 to 12 miles wide. More than 24 hours after the initial call, he was still monitoring smoldering bale piles and other hot spots for embers that could ignite new fires.
State and local officials are still determining the impacts of these fires, though early reports suggest homes, outbuildings and livestock were lost in the flames.
Farmers and ranchers impacted by the fires should contact their local U.S. Department of Agriculture service center for information on federal programs and services to help with disaster recovery.