MENASHA, Wis. — We’re learning more about ways to find support — or give support — to communities impacted by the tornado.
What if I need help or support?
The United Way Fox Cities 211 line is open for resources, or to report storm damage.
Winnebago County Emergency Management has set up a resource page on their website.
The American Red Cross has set up a reception center at Christ the Rock Community Church. The space is available for anyone in need of a safe place to stay, a meal or a charging station.
- Current urgent donation needs include: Plastic storage bins, tarps, flashlights, wipes (for washing hands)
- A mobile food pantry will return to Menasha’s Hart Park neighborhood 7:00 am – 7:00 pm on Friday and Saturday, July 31 and Aug. 1, with a truck full of food, cold beverages, and other items to give away. They will also have cell phone charging stations. A
- Christ the Rock will be open to receive donations 10:00 am-6:00 pm. Use the West Doors (to the left as you face the building). They are no longer hosting daily Food Pantry at their building — but will continue daily Food Pantry out at Hart Park 7 am-7 pm, where it’s most needed. Their in-building Food Pantry is returning to normal hours and operations, with pickups on Tuesdays at our building.
- To sign up for Tuesday pickups, visit www.christtherock.org/food-pantry.
- If donating, note they do NOT need any more bread, water, clothing or bedding donations.
- They DO need: Coffee (instant or grounds) individual hydration packets (like Propel powder), peanut butter and jelly, pouches of cooked tuna and chicken, shelf-stable/non-perishable items like crackers, cereal, and other boxed items, protein bars, granola bars, fruit cups, applesauce cups; feminine hygiene products, diapers, PullUps, and gift cards of any amount (to stores like Target, Walmart, Lowe’s, Home Depot, etc.) Use the West Doors for donations (furthest to your left as you face the building).
- You can find updated lists at www.christtherock.org.
Calvary Bible Church is open from 8:00 am – 9:00 p.m. They will offer water, snacks, AC, and a place to take shelter. The church is also working on collecting supplies.
- You can learn more about that here.
The Elks Lodge located at 328 Nicolet Blvd. in Menasha also serves as a shelter. They are open until 10:00 p.m.
How can I pick up donated items?
- Please be ready to check-in with your name and address.
- Trained Emotional Support volunteers will be available.
- Hmong and Spanish interpreters will be available.
Where else can I find help?
- Smith Park – 301 Park Street, Menasha
- Jefferson Park – 989 Kargus Drive, Menasha
- Heckrodt Wetland Reserve – 1305 Plank Road, Menasha
The YMCA of the Fox Cities locations: Apple Creek YMCA, Appleton YMCA, Fox West YMCA, Heart of the Valley YMCA, Neenah-Menasha YMCA and Ogden YMCA and Valley Tennis Center are available to community members in need of showers or phone charging during this time.
Those buildings have power and AC if you are looking for a place to work as well.
The Fox Cities Convention and Visitors Bureau has shared a current hotel list for displaced residents seeking lodging because of the severe storms that impacted the Fox Cities.
Planet Fitness locations in Appleton East and Neenah, Wisconsin, are offering their facilities to anyone impacted by recent storms to use club facilities free of charge (no membership needed).
- Offering free access to showers, electrical outlets, WiFi, workouts, massage chairs and HydroMassage® loungers.
- Effective immediately through 12:00 a.m. on August 2, 2026.
Mid-West Mini Storage in Neenah is offering the first month of storage free to individuals and families affected by the recent Fox Cities tornado.
U-Haul is offering a 30 days free disaster relief program for residents impacted by a destructive tornado that touched down in the Appleton, Wisconsin area. The offer is for free self-storage at Company facilities across Appleton, Neenah, and Oshkosh.
Mason Street Church of Christ of N. Mason Street in Appleton is providing emergency supplies. They have food boxes, bottled water, personal items, cleaning supplies, clean-up rakes, shovels, tarps, trash bags available. Shoes, sheets, pillows, underwear are also available.
How can I volunteer my time?
Menasha officials are sharing how you can make the biggest impact, including opportunities to volunteer and donate needed items.
Volunteer Fox Cities is coordinating volunteer efforts for through Sunday, August 2nd.
Officials tell WHBY they will be operating the Volunteer Resource Center (VRC) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the former UW-Fox Campus (1478 Midway Rd in Menasha.)
All volunteers must be checked in by 3 p.m. each day and new volunteers will not be accepted after that time.
Volunteers must check-in, complete a liability waiver, and receive a safety briefing before being deployed. You will be provided PPE gear. Volunteers will be expected to transport themselves or carpool to recovery zones.
VFC officials are in communication with local officials and have real-time information of the greatest needs for clean-up in our community. Please do not self-deploy, as this is creating traffic complications for clean-up.
Meals, snacks, beverages, restrooms and porta-potties are available on-site for volunteers.
- Closed-toe, sturdy footwear
- Comfortable clothing appropriate for the weather
- Sunscreen
- Water
- A valid driver’s license or photo ID
You can also access their Tornado Volunteer Standby List | Get Connected – Volunteer Fox Cities for more information.
How can I donate financially?
If you are able, please donate money instead of items through our trusted partners at United Way Fox Cities and Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region.
- 100% of funds raised will support local tornado recovery efforts with a focus on housing stability, basic needs, and helping affected individuals and families as they rebuild.
- A $250,000 Matching Gift from Fox Communities Credit Union will double the impact
What else can I donate?
Due to the overwhelming generosity of our community and limited storage space, only the following items will be accepted beginning at 8:00 AM on 7/30:
- Lanterns/flashlights
- Lighter fluid & stick lighters
- Charcoal/firewood
- Bug spray
- Small fans
- Advil/Tylenol
- Small & large tarps
- Kleenex
- Q-Tips
- CPap Wipes
- Dish soap
- Canned Meats (tuna, chicken)
- Body wipes
- Laundry soap (small bottles preferred)
- Paper plates
- Napkins
- Paper Towels
- Toilet Paper
- Sandwich Bags
- Diapers
- Pasta & sauce
- Single-serve cereal
- Ramen
- Rice
- Nutritional drinks/protein drinks
- Zero Sugar Beverages
- Gatorade
- 9-volt batteries
- Fans
Anyone with a food truck, prepared food, or drinking water who would like to support the response should report to the north parking lot of the former UW–Oshkosh Fox Cities campus.
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Community Clothes Closet also off of Midway Rd. can accept clothing Monday – Friday 9 am – 1 pm.
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Gunderson Cleaners will also accept donations at any of their Fox Valley Locations.
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What’s the best route to get to the Volunteer Resource Center?
- Use the Highway 441 Oneida Street exit, then:
- Travel south on Oneida Street
- Turn west onto Midway Road
- Enter the campus donation area
- Return east on Midway Road
- Travel north on Oneida Street to return to Highway 441
- Please follow posted signs and staff directions.
Are there places that my kids can go to right now?
The Boys and Girls Club of the Fox Valley is providing community support.
Free breakfast and lunch will also continue for all youth up to age 18, Monday–Friday at the Appleton and Neenah locations thanks to support from the Summer Food Service Program. No membership required.
Can I support pets/animals that are impacted?
- The Fox Valley Humane Association is offering support to any pet owners in need.
- Offering food, litter, blankets, dog beds, bowls.
- Dogs can be temporarily boarded on-site, and the organization is working to secure fosters for cats due to their current quarantine. Please call 920-733-1717 for animal housing assistance.
- Found pets from our service area can be brought to the shelter, if you have lost your pet please give us a call at 920-733-1717 with a description or visit the Stray Pets Page.
- They’re also collecting donations of dog and cat food, cat litter, and other pet supplies.
- Monetary donations to help cover care costs: https://www.foxvalleypets.org/get-involved/donate/
- Become a temporary foster for victims of the storms: https://www.foxvalleypets.org/get-involved/become-a-foster/
