Meridian Public Schools

Supplies, Food, Water, Aide Available TODAY, Sun., May 24, noon to 2PM at Sanford Elementary Early Childhood Center AND Meridian Elementary School 8AM-4PM. Need support with flood relief? Call our LOCAL response 989.495.2284 for help TODAY! Want to volunteer? Text 31996 to help!

Help Sanford Clean Up All volunteers looking to assist with the flood cleanup in the greater Sanford area should report to United Way volunteer check ins everyday between 9a-5p. Volunteers will be given a cleanup site to fit their time, ability, and focus! Check In Locations: Pharmacy Parking Lot 28 W. Saginaw Rd Intersection of Center & Oak Want to help but not sure where to go? Want information pertinent to volunteers? Text UWS to 31996 to receive information on where to volunteer and resources available!

Midland County Emergency Food Pantry Network & MERPS partner to bring nonperishable food and cleaning supplies to Sanford Elementary Early Childhood Center TOMORROW, May 24, from 12 noon to 2 PM! Spread the word! Thank you MCEFPN! #sanfordstrong

Residents of the greater Sanford area: We have created a hotline if you are looking to report a need for volunteer assistance at your home! If you need help with damage, debris removal, or general clean up, you can call (989) 495-2284. Please note the call center is staffed from 8a-5p, but answering service is monitored 24 hours a day. We look forward to serving you!

Please read this for important information related to relief efforts and public safety. First of all, the FEMA team is currently on site in the Village of Sanford doing an assessment of the damage. Earlier today, I met with US Senators Stabenow and Peters, US Representative Moolenaar, former Michigan Attorney General Schuette and a leader from FEMA. They toured the area to see the devastation first-hand. Since pictures don't do justice to what took place, it's extremely important to have these officials here in person to see the impact on our community. They were able to see the hundreds of volunteers who were out assisting homeowners and businesses with cleanup. I was able to share the stories that I heard from residents who had lost everything and insisted that they were just fine during this time of crises. All of the volunteers who went door to door today heard similar stories and it speaks to the resilience and human spirit that exist in this great community. I emphasized with these officials that our homeowners and small businesses are hurting, worried, and need their assistance. I can assure you that between what they witnessed and heard about that Sanford left a lasting impression. I know that many of us fear that Sanford will be forgotten and left out of the recovery efforts. I've been assured that we will not be forgotten, but we need significant financial assistance for this area in amounts that can only come from the federal government. I would ask that you continue to share our story to get the word out. Like many of you assisting with the recovery efforts, it frustrates me to see the tourists come through and yet I had to remind myself that the more attention that we receive, the better off we may be when it comes to our story getting out and assistance coming our way. There are some public safety concerns to share. Consumers Energy is currently identifying live gas lines. Many of the lines are in places where there is a significant amount of debris. This especially true in the Village south of Saginaw Road. If you see signs about gas lines, please know those mark lines that are live and to not do any digging or work in those areas. The other public safety concern is that children and adults are walking on what was the bed of the lake. This is extremely dangerous as the banks are steep, slippery and unstable. As I was told many times today, we incredibly came through this without losing any lives and that's the most important thing. So let's make sure that we use caution and common sense and keep everyone safe. Lastly, please continue to check the Meridian website at www.merps.org for the latest area updates. Keep the faith and stay Sanford Strong. Craig

URGENT HELP NEEDED: Anyone have connections who can get dumpsters to town? Comment below:

SANFORD RELIEF VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: 352 W Center, Sanford. NEEDS PEOPLE ASAP. Comment below if you can help!

SANFORD RELIEF VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: 211 Cedar, Sanford Needs muscle to pull carpet. NEEDS PEOPLE ASAP. Comment below if you can help!

SANFORD RELIEF VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: 351 Center, Sanford NEEDS PEOPLE ASAP. Comment below if you can help!

URGENT HELP NEEDED: 381 W Center, Sanford : Needs packing boxes. Comment if you can help!

SANFORD RELIEF EFFORT HELP NEEDED ASAP Scott's Builders are helping to remove debris but need MORE wheel barrels, shovels, etc are needed ASAP. Location: 119 W. Railroad and across from the hardware on Saginaw Road. PLEASE HELP!!!!

Sanford-Edenville-Beaverton-Greater Midland County HELP IS HERE! Were you impacted by the recent disaster in our community? MERPS is here to help. Cleaning supplies, toiletries, basic needs items, food, and water are available! Visit us: Meridian Elementary School TODAY 8AM-4PM

If you are in need of shelter, several hotels in Midland have been made available through donated funds. Please contact me at Craig.carmoney@merps.org if you are in need of shelter. I’m unsure of the demand or availability, so I’d encourage you make your request quickly . We are also working on additional community supports and will keep everyone posted. Please check the website at Merps.org and the Meridian Public Schools Facebook page for additional information.

Support the Sanford Area Disaster Relief Support Donation Items Still NEEDED: disinfectant wipes paper towels toilet paper toilet bowl cleaner hand sanitizer mops and buckets window cleaner disinfectant spray (i.e. 409, Lysol, etc) laundry soap first aide - band-aides bleach

Clean up help still needed at 710 Lincoln Street TODAY!

Our community is truly amazing! The outpouring of volunteers is moving. We are navigating through the calls and texts to assign support as needed. At this time, continued clean up assistance is needed downtown on Cedar Street. Manpower and trucks needed.

Good Morning Mustang Families The Village of Sanford is in need of volunteers with trucks that would be willing to haul debris to the landfill. Please contact HS Principal, Tara Mager, (989) 928-9532i if you are able to help. Thanks Craig Carmoney

Sanford Area Relief Support: Are you need of clean up supplies OR basic need items? Item/supply pick up: Friday-Saturday-Sunday-Monday 8-4PM Meridian Elementary School 3353 N Meridian Rd Sanford Questions: Call 211 or email tara.mager@merps.org Donations also accepted!

The Food Service Program will be suspended this week due to the impact of the flooding in our community. It is our plan to reimplement the program next week, but an assessment of many things needs to take place in order to do that. We will send out additional information once we know more.

It is with a heavy heart that I reach out to our Mustang Families. My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone. There are shelters in the area at Coleman High School, Bullock Creek High School, Midland High School, West Midland Family Center and the Midland Mall. At this point, we are suspending all learning until further notice. Please stay safe. I have great faith that this community will pull through this.