Catoosa County, GA – From the Catoosa County and Ringgold Joint Information Office:
Area services continue to assist affected residents
New Volunteer Coordinator Line created, Help line hours change
As Catoosa County and Ringgold moves operations from the emergency operations command at the Catoosa County Sheriff's Office later this week, the continuing efforts of coordinating services of volunteers throughout the clean-up and the rebuild continues, according to Catoosa County Manager Mike Helton and Ringgold City Manager Dan Wright.
The Catoosa County Help Line moves to the Catoosa County Administration building and will serve callers Monday-Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. at either (706) 965-7138 or (706) 965-7139.
People wishing to continue to add their name to the list of volunteers may call a new number housed at the volunteer coordination office at the Ringgold United Methodist Church at (706) 935-2109.
Relief efforts continue being staged from three designated assistance centers: the Ringgold United Methodist Church, 7884 Nashville Street; Poplar Springs Baptist Church, 422 Poplar Springs Road; and Cherokee Valley Baptist Church, 1495 Cherokee Valley Road. Donations of cash may be sent to any of these churches at their street address in Ringgold, Ga. 30736.
"These churches are serving the areas and families can go to receive assistance, ask questions, get non-perishable foods, supplies, get a hot meal and other services as they are needed," Wright said. "In addition the clean up process expands into new areas and refocusing in previously served areas over the next 40 days. Volunteers continue to tarp houses and assist with cutting downed trees and moving brush to the street for pick up."
Both the county and city are picking up brush at the side of the street. Man-made materials will also be picked up but should be stacked separately, Helton said.
Donations of goods are being accepted at the Ringgold Telephone Co., 6203 Alabama Highway or donors will be redirected to the appropriate locations where items they are donating can be stored long term.
Items currently needed include: cleaning supplies; brooms; mops; Lysol wipes; hammers; roofing nails with plastic round tops; and heavy electric cords 10-12 gauge 100 feet long - 15 to 20 amp.
Christ Chapel Share and Care Mission, 281 Inman Street, in Ringgold continues to serve the community as a food bank. The location also has shoes, clothing, bedding, furniture, cleaning supplies, and food is available for victims.
A Catoosa County and Ringgold Tornado Relief fund is currently being created for cash donations, an announcement will be made next week when all the particulars are finalized, according to Helton.