Sidney Comes to Aid of Flood Victims

While Cheyenne County needed the weekend to dig out of snow, the eastern portion of the state is trying to hold back the water.

The Nebraska State Emergency Operation Center (SEOC) was opened Wednesday, March 13, to address the record-setting flooding for much of the state. As of 1 p.m. Saturday, March 16, 52 counties and two tribes had issued emergency declarations. By 3 p.m., evacuation centers were established and travel through much of the state was defined by NEMA as "extremely dangerous."

A Nebraska Game and Parks press release Wednesday, March 20, says state parks, historical parks, state recreation areas and wildlife management areas located along rivers and streams in eastern and central Nebraska experienced flooded roads, campgrounds and buildings during the flooding.

In response to the flooding, efforts are underway in Cheyenne County to assist eastern Nebraska neighbors.

Bomgaars and Radio Shack are teaming up to send relief to the Spencer community. A dam broke near Spencer, leaving the town without power for several days. They are expecting to be without water for weeks, possibly months. Donations were accepted through Thursday to be shipped to Spencer Friday. Bomgaars has offered one of its trucks to transport relief supplies to the Spencer area.

Carol Porter of Radio Shack said she got involved in the relief effort after talking with her daughter's boyfriend's family who lives in Spencer. The two companies joined efforts when Porter contacted Aaron Bomgaar about transporting donated goods to Spencer. That was during the weekend following the blizzard.

"By Monday morning, we had the semi," she said.

She said the plan is for Bomgaars to unload its merchandise, then load donations destined for Spencer.

Donations sought include cleaning or medical gloves, rubber boots, dehumidifiers, buckets with lids, grills, generator, razors, feminine hygiene products, wet wipes, Clorox wipes, Clorox, antibacterial spray, first aid supplies (band aids, Neosporin, Tylenol, and other medical essentials), tin foil, all sizes of trash bags, paper towels, toilet paper, disposable plates, cups and eating utensils, disposable cooking bags, bottled water, gallon or bigger water bottles, underwear and sock of all sizes and non-perishable food.

Porter said during the few days they held the donation effort, traffic of supporters was nonstop with people bringing in a variety of cleaning supplies, disposable eating utensils, shirts and socks and numerous other items.

"I can't believe it. We're getting donations all day," she said Wednesday. "I'm amazed at the outpouring from the community. A lot of people here have had a rough time, too, but everyone has been very generous."

For more information or to make a monetary donation, contact Porter at 308-254-5326, or 308-250-1616. Checks can be made to the Spencer Volunteer Fire Department. Porter is working with a bank in Spencer to process donations.

Another Sidney business, Sidney Feed & Supply, is collecting food and supplies to be delivered to all animals, pets and livestock affected by the floods. Sidney Feed & Supply is accepting the donations at its location at 418 Illinois St. through Saturday. Those interested can also call 308-254-3308 with an order to be included in the delivery.

Donation suggestions include: dog food, cat food, horse halters, horse feed, cattle tubs, cattle cubes, all stock feed, grass hay, milk replacer, calving supplies - colostrum, electrolytes, antibiotics, vet supplies. The business is also accepting cash donations toward the purchase of needed items.

Another local business is joining forces with Sidney Feed & Supply, which will help distribute the funds raised through the sale of window decals and t-shirts. Pins N Needles Embroidery of Potter began making the decals this week, and by popular demand added t-shirts, all sporting an outline of the state, emblazed with "Nebraska Proud."

Pins N Needles owner Terri Stevens said as an owner of cattle, horses and dogs, she understands what owners go through when their animals are in need. So she began the campaign to help raise funds with the decals, joining forces with Sidney Feed & Supply for distribution of the funds.

Those interested in donating through the decal/t-shirt program can contact Stevens at 308-879-0113.

Nebraska's Salvation Army is on the ground in the affected area, and Sidney's chapter is providing support both through its past fund raising, as well as new contributions.

Local Salvation Army manager Diane Nielsen said the Sidney location is accepting monetary donations to be used toward assistance for eastern Nebraska. Nielsen said the monetary donations are being requested at this point for a couple of reasons.

"Salvation Army in Omaha doesn't have any place to store a lot right now" Nielsen said. "And by sending them money, they can buy what they need most, and they have a lot more buying power with the connections they have."

Nielsen said anyone wanting to donate through Salvation Army can send a check toward the cause. She said when making the donation, you should write "Nebraska Flood Relief" in the memo line to make sure the funds are distributed within the state.

The local chapter sent $500 to Omaha already. The funds were raised through the local bell ringing fund raiser. Nielsen will send community contributions once a week as long as they come in.

Like others, Nielsen said the local response has been very good.

"It's amazing how people in Sidney pull together when people are in need," she said.