Disaster Response - donate through the Red Cross
Recovery Efforts - Rotary District 5650 is organizing efforts
Click here to email Mick McKinley, Rotary District 5650 Governor 2019-20 with questions, ideas or support.
Email Sent 3-29-19:
Our District's initial response to the floods in Eastern Nebraska and Southwestern Iowa was to help our first responders financially by directing donations through the American Red Cross. First let us say thank you to all that have contributed thus far and for all you have been doing to help your communities through these difficult and trying times. Now that we are moving into the recovery phase of the flood disaster it's time to get organized, put boots on the ground and be the "People of Action" we Rotarian's are. 
 
Every community affected is different and you are the leaders who know the specific needs of your communities. Some Clubs have been directly impacted by the flooding and other Clubs want to help however they can. We have received several inquiries asking how Rotarian's and clubs can help other clubs in the recovery process. We've been asked about organizing clean up crews to help local residents through that process. Some other ideas are providing lunches or dinners for community volunteers aiding the recovery process, or lending vocational expertise on rebuilding their community. In the past we have had clubs adopt families helping with their clean up efforts, buying new furniture, installing new hot water heaters and providing for other essential needs.
 
Over the course of the next few months we will be applying for grants, soliciting and receiving contributions from other districts and doing all we can to raise funds for the reconstruction of our communities.
 
Clubs are best suited to help the communities they serve. Club members, work with your club leadership on meaningful projects that will have the greatest impact in your community. Club leaders, tell us what you need and how other clubs not affected can help. Please begin assessing your needs and reach out to Mick McKinley and your Assistant Governor as you develop a plan to figure out what help you'll need with projects you are taking on. We will work with all clubs in the district to do everything we can to communicate, coordinate and support the efforts of and between clubs. If you would like to serve on a district committee to help coordinate these efforts let Mick know.
 
We have the opportunity to do more than ever before and show what Rotary is all about. Thanks again for all you are doing. Rotarian's are "People of Action" let's all help.
 
Julie O'Hara
District Governor
 
Mick McKinley
District Governor Elect
 
Roxy Orr
District Governor Nominee
 
 
 
Email sent 3-19-19
Dear Nicki Klein,
 
As a Rotarian we are sure you are aware of the recent flooding in eastern Nebraska and southwestern Iowa. It has impacted many of the communities our clubs serve. As a district,  know we are here to help in any way we can. We have had several Rotary districts outside Nebraska contact us to make donations. We have decided to direct cash contributions directly to the American Red Cross as they are best suited to respond to help those most in need. If you or your club would like to make a cash contribution to the relief effort, donations can be made payable to and sent to:
 
American Red Cross - Nebraska Flooding
2912 S 80th Ave 
Omaha, NE  68124
 
These donations will stay locally and benefit the communities most affected in Nebraska and SW Iowa. 
 
Additionally the Red Cross is having a statewide telethon on Friday March 22nd and need 300 volunteers to man the phones. Attached is an attachment that explains their needs. Please consider volunteering for a shift. Any little bit we can do helps. 
 
As the waters recede and recovery efforts begin we will begin coordinating efforts in the district to help our clubs most effected serve their communities as they recover from this devastating event. We will be reaching out to all of the members of District 5650 to enlist your help to help our fellow Rotarians and their communities recover from this monumental disaster. 
 
Yours in Rotary,
 
Julie O'Hara
District Governor
 
Mick McKinley
District Governor Elect
 
Roxy Orr 
District governor Nominee
 
Carol Horner
District Governor Nominee - Designee