The Volunteer Reception Center and Donation Drop-off Site is at the old UW Fox campus, 1478 Midway Road, Menasha, reopening today, Thursday July 30, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Volunteer update: the response has been extraordinary — over 300 volunteers are already serving in the field, and as of last evening they no longer needed additional volunteers on-site for that shift. If you are on the stand-by list and have not had a follow-up email, come anyway — they are still working through the overwhelming number of sign-ups.
Hmong and Spanish interpreters are available on site, along with trained emotional support volunteers.
Where to enter and park
- Volunteers: park in Lot 2 or Lot 3, and use the volunteer entrance on the north side of the main building.
- Individual donations and small vehicles: use the campus main entrance off Midway Road, then follow signs to the Donation Drop/Shop near Lot 1.
- Large trucks and bulk donations: enter via University Avenue — the road along the west side of the campus, marked University Drive on the map — to the Large/Bulk Donation Drop by Lot 2.
If you are volunteering
- Do not go to affected areas unless directed by Emergency Management, Volunteer Fox Cities, or another official response group.
- You must check in, sign a liability waiver, and get a safety briefing before being deployed.
- Wear closed-toe sturdy footwear and clothing suited to the weather, and bring sunscreen and a valid driver's license or photo ID.
- Under 18s may volunteer only with a parent or guardian present, who completes the waiver on their behalf.
- Meals, snacks, drinks, restrooms and portapotties are on site.
Donation needs have changed — due to limited storage, only these items are being accepted starting 8 a.m. today:
- Lanterns/flashlights, lighter fluid, stick lighters, charcoal/firewood
- Bug spray, small fans, Advil/Tylenol
- Small and large tarps
- Kleenex, dish soap, body wipes, laundry soap (small bottles preferred), diapers, lotion
- Pasta and sauce, single-serve cereal, ramen, Boost nutritional drinks
- 9-volt batteries
Please do NOT donate: alcohol, expired food, perishable food, water (there is currently an adequate supply), or clothing. Donation needs may keep changing — check back here or Volunteer Fox Cities' own channels before a special trip.
For clothing, the Community Clothes Closet on Midway Road accepts donations Monday–Friday 9 a.m.–1 p.m., and Gunderson Cleaners accepts them at any Fox Valley location (max 5 bags or containers per donation).
Picking up supplies
Anyone affected by the storm may shop the donation center, and volunteers will help load your vehicle. Boxes and totes are available. Be ready to check in with your name and address.
Giving money instead
If you are able, money is more useful than goods — it lets responders and nonprofits buy what is needed most, where it is needed most. Donate through United Way Fox Cities at unitedwayfoxcities.org/tornado.
