Midwest former home, birthplace of some Montrose relief donors

MONTROSE — News of a flood-ravaged Midwest struck home for some who gave to local relief efforts.

"We just felt that we could do something. We have roots in the Midwest," said Bill Whiteaker, who was born in Superior, Wis. and lived in the state most of his life.

He was one of several disaster relief donors whose lives and family history are linked to the states stricken by floods.

Bill and his wife Elizabeth moved to Montrose from Park Falls, Wis. in August 2007.

The couple on Wednesday contributed about $100 in goods and $200 in checks to Western Colorado Disaster Relief, a Montrose-based nonprofit organizing the drive to raise funds and supplies for those affected by the disasters.

High waters have not only destroyed homes but also the daily bread of farmers, said Elizabeth. "Their livelihoods are shot for the year."

The Iowa Farm Bureau estimated corn crop losses at $1.5 billion, plus $1.5 billion in soybean losses, the Associated Press reported Wednesday.

Resident Kathy Downing, who moved to Montrose from Kansas, spent some time in June visiting her family in central Wisconsin. She witnessed some of this year's devastating floods.

"Places you didn't see water in before had water in them," said Downing, whose family lives near Lake Delton, Wis. Creeks and a golf course were completely flooded, she recalled. "The interstate between Madison and Portage had been closed and you could tell where the water had been completely over the road," she said.

Downing, a JC Penney assistant manager, and home supervisor Yvonne Pincus brought some donated bedroom furniture items from the store to the relief drop-off site.

In this time of need, some citizens took the time to reflect on America's involvement overseas as opposed to at home.

"If we want to be concerned about our neighbors, this is one way of doing it," said Elizabeth. "America sends airplane loads of stuff to who knows where. Where are they to help here?"

With all the focus on calamities around the world, this was a good opportunity to help fellow citizens, said TEI Rock Drills Inc. President Sue Frank. TEI contributed a $500 check to help flood victims.

The Daily Press ran a Sunday article about the volunteer work under way to help Midwest residents.

Citizens and businesses in Montrose and surrounding communities, such as Gunnison, responded with donations of money and goods, said Relief Director Jan France.

Two shipping containers of supplies should be filled by Friday — the deadline to contribute to the drive. Food and baby items, such as formula, diapers, cribs and such, are still needed.

Contact Lisa Huynh via email at lisah@montrosepress.com

Western Colorado Disaster Relief — helping flood victims in the Midwest

All items need to be delivered to 400 S. Townsend on or before June 27.

For information, contact director Jan France at (970) 249-3419; cell (970) 708-9498; or e-mail WCDisasterRelief@aol.com. For regional assistance, contact the following people:

• Ridgway — contact Heather at 626-5368

• Ouray — donations may be dropped off at Main Street Bed & Breakfast at 334 Main St. Contact Becky and Paul at (970) 325-4871

• Telluride — contact Misty Wells at (970) 708-7997

• Naturita — contact Deb at (970) 865-2523