Relief goods pouring in
By Mikkel Pates
The Forum
The Salvation Army is looking for a few good warehouses.

"I’m securing one in Grand Forks as we speak," said Lt. Steve Woodard, incident commander for the Red River Valley in Fargo.

"If I could find another warehouse space, I could fill it," he said. "Fargo would be great, but if I had to go out as far as Jamestown, I’d take it."

Monday was Day 16 of the Salvation Army’s regional operation at the old Builders Square building on 45th Street South near 13th Avenue.

The Fargo center distributes supplies directly, and also serves as a nerve center for smaller centers – primarily in Crookston, Minn., and a start-up operation at the Grand Forks (N.D.) Air Force Base. A new center opened Monday in Detroit Lakes, Minn.

About 30 percent of what comes into Fargo goes out to Grand Forks. That will increase to 50 percent when a new center is opened at a Detroit Lakes bingo hall there, Woodard said.

"This is still Phase I, the crisis stage," he said. About 1,000 to 1,200 people a day pour through the Fargo center – about 300 families. That’s down from 2,200 a day immediately after Grand Forks was evacuated a week ago.

The center operates 24 hours but is open to the public from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Six forklifts run continuously as volunteers divide merchandise into categories.

The big influx of refugees is 10 a.m. to 12 noon. Most say they’re in temporary housing with relatives, friends or in motels. They come from Grand Forks, Ada, Minn., Mahnomen, Minn., just about everywhere to the north.

"I haven’t even been back to see the house," said Duane Preston of East Grand Forks, Minn., as he stood in line Monday. Peterson, an Extension Service potato agronomy specialist, said he’s been working with a computer out of a Fargo motel room.

Most evacuees who go to the Salvation Army center are looking for perishable food and cleaning supplies. Salvation Army officials encouraged refugees to take all they needed. The center works closely with the Great Plains Food Bank, Second Harvest Food Bank and U.S. Department of Agriculture commodity distribution officials.

The center also distributes information and counseling. And for Grand Forks residents only, Salvation Army officials are arranging for airline tickets and bus tickets to temporarily send children out of the region to relatives or friends while adults return to put their homes together.

More evacuees are obtaining the cleaning solvents and supplies they’ll need for Phase II.

"That’s the cleanup phase," Woodard said. This is a one- to two-month phase for most people, and will require an influx of power washers, sump pumps and generators.

Woodard said about 20 to 30 semis loaded with goods arrive daily. A peak of 35 semis was unloaded Friday. Nine trucks were diverted directly to Grand Forks, Crookston, Minn., Ada and Reynolds, N.D., Saturday because their loads matched needs in those communities.

The trucks come from givers as far away as Rhode Island, Texas and California.

A few truckers are disappointed. Pam Davis of Albert Lea, Minn., helped raise $18,000 and four semi-loads of items based on last Wednesday’s priorities. When she got here, a half-trailer full of used clothing didn’t have a home.

Woodard shook his head about Davis’ dilemma, but emphasized that the majority of shipments are handled efficiently.

He estimates that about 35 percent are corporate donations, about 40 percent are from church-affiliated organizations and the rest are from individuals and community groups.

The center is still using 20 Salvation Army employees detailed to the area from around the country. They stay for nine- to 10-day shifts and leave on staggered schedules to allow for continuity. There are 260 to 350 volunteers a day.

"We’re trying to look ahead to Phase III, the restoration phase," Woodard said. "That’ll be paint and building supplies. We think that could last six months to a year."

Woodard said the Salvation Army is constantly revising its list of critical needs.

Topping Monday’s wish list were fresh fruits and vegetables. Most are donated by corporations.

Wet/dry vacuum cleaners and power washers will be needed. New underwear, socks and shoes, especially men’s sizes 9 to 13, and women’s sizes 7 to 10 will be needed. And rubber boots, room fans, trash cans, water pumps, cleaning supplies and personal hygiene items are still needed.

The group is asking for notebook computers, printers, facsimile machines and vans for flood victims with transportation limitations. Don’t send any more used clothing, Woodard said.

Those willing to contribute in-kind goods, volunteer time and/or MasterCard/Visa financial support should call 1-800-SAL-ARMY. Checks marked "Flood Relief" may be directed to any Salvation Army office.