Many people in our southwest Minnesota region have been affected by a devastating winter storm that brought inches of ice Wednesday, April 10. About seven inches of heavy snow Thursday made matters worse as trees, buildings, roads, and other structures received incredible damage. The Nobles County area including Worthington and surrounding communities in the far southwest corner of Minnesota have been hardest hit.
Southwest Initiative Foundation President/CEO Sherry Ristau has been in touch with mayors in the area. Worthington Mayor Alan Oberloh compares the destruction from the ice storm to that of a tornado going through, and says the community will never look the same because of damage, especially to trees. View up-to-date information about the situation from the City of Worthington or the Worthington Daily Globe.
We care about all of our communities and our heart goes out to the many people affected—leaders dealing with the emergency management, organizations serving large numbers of people, residents and business owners who have damaged property, people who can’t work because of limited power. The physical, financial and emotional damage is great but we are rallying together to help as best we can…and you can join us!
You can help!
SWIF has set up the Nobles County Area Disaster Relief Fund so anyone can financially support communities in this part of the region. Donations will support people and communities with cleanup, repair, rebuilding, restoring services, planting trees and other needs that arise from this natural disaster. We’ll be working with our local fund partner the Worthington Area Foundation to make sure 100 percent of your donation goes where it’s needed most.
Make your gift online to support the Nobles County Area Disaster Relief Fund through Give MN.
Donations can also be made by check to SWIF and mailed to:
Southwest Initiative Foundation
c/o Nobles County Area Disaster Relief Fund
15 3rd Ave. NW
Hutchinson, MN 55350
Contact us at 800-594-9480 or [email protected] with questions.
Support Local Food Shelves
SWIF also awarded immediate crisis assistance grants to food shelves in Nobles County so they can get more food and supplies. Thousands have been without power since Tuesday and many, especially in rural areas, will be without for days more. Stores, manufacturing plants and other employers have been closed multiple days, which will create ripple effects in the community and its economy.
Two food shelves in Worthington have a call out for more volunteers. Contact them for more information and before going to help.
Manna Food Pantry
507-370-0816
In need of volunteers Monday, Wednesday and Friday for a shift from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. to help set up.
Worthington Christian Food Shelf
507-360-9726
They are normally closed Fridays but are open today, April 12, 2013.
