NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster) is there to help anyone impacted by this weekend's fire.
"I think the most important thing is for them to know they are not alone," said Lisa Gleason with VOAD. "This community is amazing. Certainly, the Reno County VOAD is made up of so many amazing organizations who are also going to be there for them. They are not alone. We can help them. Don't be afraid to reach out. I had someone say to me yesterday, we're not people who ask for things. It's okay this time, to ask for help, to ask for support."
In addition to the Multi-Agency Resource Center going on, the United Way office is also receiving hygiene items for the victims who lost everything.
"We're going to fill in gaps," Gleason said. "We know that some people have insurance and they're going to be well taken care of, but we also know that some people don't or don't have the support that they need. Our goal is to walk along side of those individuals who have experienced this loss and this trauma and see how we can match resources to their needs."
Most of all, though, if you have money to give, that's what they can use the most.
"United Way of Reno County is the fiscal agent for the Reno County VOAD," Gleason said. "You can go online to the United Way of Reno County's website, there's a big red donate thing right there when you get on to that. You can walk in to our office, which is at 924 North Main and drop off a check there as well."
Gleason said the need is greater than even it was five years ago after The Highlands fire, so they know they will continue to need monetary donations for an extended period. In that case, they were still assisting some victims even two years after the blaze.