In collaboration with Dow and Midland’s Emergency Operations Center, United Way of Midland County has created a process for those who wish to donate and access items for flood relief.

“We are so grateful for the overwhelming generosity of people, corporations and organizations—both in our own backyard and across the nation—who want to donate items to help those impacted by this severe event,” said Holly Miller, executive director of United Way of Midland County. “For those who have been eager to donate and help: we see you, we hear you, we appreciate you.”

The Supplies Donations Plan provides a framework to collect and distribute donated items to those in need.

“Along with United Way and numerous organizations, we are stepping forward together in order to best respond to the flood devastation,” said Jennifer Boyer, Midland County’s Emergency Management Coordinator. “We must stress how important it is that people refrain from simply showing up at a location with a truck full of donations. This can create confusion and ultimately cause more harm than good. This process exists in order to get much-need items in the hands of those who need it most.”

UPDATED 6/3/2020: The current list of items needed includes:

  • Personal Protective Equipment
  • Cleaning supplies
  • Non-perishable food
  •  Trash Bags
  • Work gloves
  • Rakes
  • Shovels
  • Wheelbarrows
  • Dehumidifiers
  • Pump Sprayers
  • Crockpots
  • Toasters
  • Box Fans
  • Rakes
  • Brooms
  • Tools

Clothing donations will not be accepted at this time.

“As described by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, clothing is one of the items deemed unnecessary in a disaster situation,” Miller said. “We are appreciative to those who want to donate clothes, but we are focused on solely collecting items that will help fulfill basic needs.”

Beginning Wednesday, May 27, the following locations will serve as both drop-off sites for those who wish to donate items—as well pick-up sites for individuals who need access to supplies— between 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. seven days a week to start:

(UPDATED 6/8/2020)

  • West Midland Family Center, 4011 W. Isabella Road
  • Sanford Senior Center, 3243 N. West River Road
  • Meridian Elementary School, 3343 N. Meridian Road
  • Gladwin downtown – parking lot behind Forge Fitness, 237 W. Cedar, Gladwin; corner of Arcade & Grout
  • Midland High School, 1301 Eastlawn Drive

Businesses or organizations who want to donate items must first fill out United Way’s Supplies Donations Survey online at reliefmidland.org by clicking the ‘Supplies Donations’ button. Once the survey is complete, United Way will be in contact within 48 hours to discuss next steps. If the need is urgent, businesses can indicate the urgency within the survey and United Way will be in touch as soon as possible.

Dow is lending their supply chain expertise and deploying employee volunteers to the drop-off and distribution sites across the county.

“Many thanks to Dow for their willingness to step into this space to help ensure our community gets what they need as efficiently and effectively as possible,” Miller said.

“The execution of the Supplies Distribution Plan is a reflection of the collaborative efforts of Midland’s organizations, businesses, agencies and leadership,” Miller added.

Along with Dow, those offering resources to provide community support include The Salvation Army, the Arnold Center, Great Lakes Loons and local restaurants. United Way is also partnering with the Health Department to ensure proper protocols are in place to maintain safety and health guidelines.

“Our community is equipped to stand up from this devastation because of the outpouring of support,” Miller said. “In times of crisis, our community continues to rise above, again and again. Midland is showing the nation right now what it looks like to truly live united.”