How you can help Taopi this week

(ABC 6 News) – Southeastern Minnesota organizations have set up cleanups, donation drives, and free meals for people displaced by the tornado in Taopi. Here’s our list (and how you can pitch in).

RELATED: Taopi residents start cleanup after massive storm injures two people | KAALTV.com

The City of Taopi has requested that volunteers not donate homemade food — prepackaged, commercial food can still be donated at the Adams American Legion Post 146.

Watch the City of Taopi’s Facebook page for the most up-to-date information on volunteer cleanup opportunities.

Monetary donations will be given to the city of Taopi and can be sent to the following:

United Farmers State Bank

Taopi Relief Fund

P.O. Box 354

Adams, MN 55909

Thursday, April 14: A soup lunch for Taopi residents and responders will be held at 11:30 a.m. at the Adams American Legion Post 146 (321 W Main St. Adams, MN). Organizer Nancy Lewison said the event is open to the public, especially those who would like to donate. Immediate needs listed on the group’s Taopi Relief Facebook event include boxes and totes with lids, water and snack foods, hygiene items, and blankets.
Check Taopi Storm Relief | Facebook’s discussion for updated information, how to send monetary donations to the city, and to help query local businesses for aid.

Thursday, April 14: A group will meet at the Southland High School Commons (203 NW 2nd St., Adams, MN) to make tie-together fleece blankets for Taopi kids between 3:30 and 6:30 p.m. Fabric provided. Bring sewing scissors and cutting wheels if you have them.

Thursday and Friday, April 14 and 15: ABC & Toy Zone in Rochester is creating Easter baskets for 11 Taopi children and teens who lost their homes in the tornado. You can donate brand-new items at the store (122 17th Ave. NW, Rochester, MN) Thursday, purchase items over the phone (507-286-8440) or visit abctoyzone.com to purchase a premade basket and note it as a donation in the comment section.

Sunday, April 17: Kathi Finley with Just Take the Cake Too will provide Easter breakfast 7-9 or so and “dinner” to Taopi residents and responders at noon, with the help of Hy-Vee. Taopi residents can check Just Take the Cake on Facebook for the locations and times. Finley said she has received plenty of offers for help already, and does not need more volunteers for the Easter events.

Ongoing: Pay It Forward, Inc. has started a GoFundMe for Taopi. Donate here.

Unplug E-Cycle in Austin will collect electronics for those unhoused in Taopi this week. Contact the business at (507) 481-8303 to donate used computers, TVs, microwaves, and other small electronics.