Organizers Aiding in the Flint Water Crisis Urge Donors to Volunteer or Give Funds

rganizations and individuals across the country have heard the call and banded together to collect and donate cases of bottled water to the city of Flint as its residents contend with lead-tainted water.

But donations from celebrities, nonprofits, churches and residents of varying communities across the nation have left Flint water crisis organizers with a large supply of water for locals.

So, if you are looking to donate to the city in their time of need some organization officials are urging you to donate money or your time.

“Flint is overwhelmed with water. We are discouraging any water donations at this time due to state and FEMA support. We are encouraging donations to a fund we have established to support the long-term health needs of Flint children exposed to lead,” says Mary Jo Herbig, director of communications for Community Foundation of Greater Flint.

The money that is donated is being used as a supplemental resource, as Flint residents continue to push for state and federal funding.  

Monetary donations are helping aid short-term issues such as purchasing filtered water, water filters, water filter cartridges and lead testing kits.

According to officials from the Flint Water Fund, once the short-term needs are met, money will begin going towards other initiatives such as lead testing and treatment for children and other issues relating to the water crisis.

If you are looking to volunteer, donate water or funds call 211 or visit helpforflint.com, flintkids.org, or unitedwaygenesee.org.

How Metro Detroit can help Flint residents

If you are unable to commit time or money, here are some local organizations where you can drop off water.

Unity Baptist Church in Detroit

As part of their Nehemiah H20 campaign, Unity Baptist Church aims to raise 2500 cases of bottled water through Jan. 31.

313-933-9799 or UnityBaptistChurch.org

Art Van locations in Metro-Detroit

In accordance with Local 4’s Help Me Hank, people can drop off cases of bottled water to any Art Van Furniture store in Metro Detroit, Lansing or Flint during regular business hours. The water collected will be distributed to residents by the Catholic Charities of Shiawassee and Genesee Counties.

ArtVan.com 

City of Novi

People can drop off cases of bottled water at the Novi Civic Center daily, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., or to Fire Department #1, Monday-Friday, 6 a.m.-6 p.m.

Novi Civic Center

Fire Department #1

City of Southfield

People can drop off cases of bottled water, infant formula, and diapers at the City Hall Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., or to the Human Services Department, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m

Southfield City Hall

Southfield Human Services Department

Fishbone’s Restaurants

Drop off bottled water at any Fishbone’s location any time during normal business hours, which will be distributed at a later date.

Greektown Location

313-965-4600

Southfield Location

248-351-2925

St. Clair Shores Location

586-498-3000

FishbonesUSA.com

National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence

The NCADD STEPS program is collecting water through February 22. You can drop off water at The McNichols Center.

313-838-1340