United Way of Southwest Michigan announces care fund following deadly tornadoes

ST. JOSEPH. Mich. -- United Way of Southwest Michigan has activated the Southwest Michigan Cares Fund to support recovery efforts across the impacted region to support United Ways serving the affected communities after the tornadoes struck Cass, St. Joseph, and Branch counties. 

Funds raised from Cares Fund donations will go back to the United Way organizations serving the hardest hit areas including Three Rivers, served by St. Joseph County United Way; Union City, served by Branch County United Way; and Edwardsburg, served by United Way of Southwest Michigan.

Donations made to the fund will be distributed to local organizations and community partners working on the front lines of recovery — ensuring that resources reach the people and places that need them most. United Way of Southwest Michigan will work in close coordination with the American Red Cross and United Way agencies throughout the region to guide those efforts.

Southwest Michigan residents who want to help are encouraged to donate online.

Volunteers can sign up to assist with recovery efforts at Volunteer.UWSM.org as upcoming volunteer projects throughout the region are assessed and posted.

Volunteers should create a free profile on the Volunteer United site now to be alerted about opportunities as they become available in the coming days.

Those in need of immediate assistance should contact the American Red Cross at 1-800-RED-CROSS or dial 211 to be connected with local support services for food, shelter, caregiving, utility assistance, and more.