PORTAGE COUNTY, Ohio — In the aftermath of Wednesday's EF-1 tornado in Windham, officials in Portage County have announced a fund accepting monetary donations to help impacted victims.
On Friday, Portage County Emergency Management Agency Director Ryan Shackelford launched the Portage County Disaster Relief Fund. The fund, which the agency says Shakelford has been working on for several years, is being made possible through the support of The Portage Foundation.
In a release, EMA officials said the fund's "Donations Coordinating Team" will provide direct payments to residents who go through an application process. Payments will be distributed based on need, the EMA added. The coordinating team will be comprised of representatives from The Portage Foundation, the impacted area, Portage County EMA, Portage County Jobs and Family Services and other volunteer organizations. The non-profit foundation will receive 5% for "administration of the fund and distributing donations."
According to Shackelford, the Windham community "will be notified when the application process for funding for persons impacted by the tornado opens, which he estimates will start in several weeks once residents have some idea of their financial condition."
Donations to the Portage County Disaster Relief Fund can be made online by clicking here.
Checks may be made payable to the “The Portage Foundation” with a designation to “Windham Tornado.” Mail checks to The Portage Foundation, P.O. Box 623, Kent, OH 44240. You can also drop off cash or check donations at these Portage Community Bank locations in the name of the Portage Disaster Relief Fund.
A survey team with the National Weather Service confirmed on Thursday that an EF-1 tornado did touch down in Windham. Data from the NWS indicates that the tornado touched down between 6:45 p.m. and 6:51 p.m., beginning near the intersection of state Route 303 and Stanley Road. The storm's estimated peak winds were 110 miles per hour. No injuries were reported.
The American Red Cross reports that it is assisting residents from six households who were impacted by the storms in Portage County. Four homes were destroyed, while another two were heavily damaged.