At the center of a swirl of agencies working to help those hurt by fire, weather and other disasters, the United Way is struggling to find the money and volunteers it needs.

Saturday, July 21, 2001

At the center of a swirl of agencies working to help those hurt by fire, weather and other disasters, the United Way is struggling to find the money and volunteers it needs.

Director Jean Eaton said that despite visible large donations by Wal-Mart and other companies, the cash on hand will run out before long and volunteers are in demand to unload trucks and do other work.

It’s more than just Farmland employees, too, Eaton said.

&uot;We’ve got farmers going under and we’ve got people from the Glenville tornado, too,&uot; she said.

The relief agency’s office has been swamped. &uot;I’ve got five or six families here right now,&uot; Eaton said Friday.

The United Way maintains a disaster relief fund, which is used for any disaster victim in the county, whether it is from the Farmland fire, Glenville tornado, or anything else. Donations can be made through U.S. Bank or Americana Bank, she said.

An information line is also available through the United Way at 373-8670. Information is available in English and Spanish.

Those who want to volunteer can call the same number.