Yes, guess I need to clarify a few problems I witnessed with the Red Cross. First and formost, the local chapter was great. Problems seemed to occur when all the out-of-town folks came in. There was a total lack of communication between themselves, and also of the displaced people. Also a good example was a friend of mine tried to donate 1,600 new t-shirts of all sizes to be passed out anywhere around southern Wisc. and also Iowa. Flat out refusal and also no suggestions of how to donate all of these clothes...sad. Think I just saw so many people wanting to find ways to help and the out-of town Red Cross just kept saying they only wanted money. Can't even count how many people I've spoken to who are so offended. I would probably feel the same way because like most...I have the time, not the money to give. I just think that if the ARC would have stayed local and let anyone volunteer with the trained volunteers...it might have left a lot warmer of a feeling than what I am hearing. Our city loves volunteering...thank-you to our city. I will end this here. Hope u can see both sides.

John from Anchor Inn and Marty Walsh if not for them there would of been more damage done on Ellendale Road.

Rock County RECAP workers filled in where bodies were needed. Thank you for your help. :)

laughnlil: The Red Cross may have "turned away" donations based on how the donators ear tagged their donation. Meaning: When the little boy on Palm Street died in the fire, I donated to the ARC and while online, I noted it was in memory of Derek Mattingly. The lady from the ARC called and asked how I wanted the money distributed: to the Mattingly family or to a general ARC fund. The reason for her question was that some law prohibited them for collecting and distributing funds to particular people or groups.

laughnlil, I am curious about your comment about the Red Cross turning down donations-please clarify. I know that there is a process for accepting donations, and that is simply to protect the donor and the organization. I know that the community as a whole did an awesome job-businesses donating meals, snacks, drinking water, and such. I was wondering what it is that you are saddened about.

The Red Cross has helped many people affected by the flooding. Thank you to everyone who helped out with The Red Cross and for all of your contributions to our community!

everyone pulling in the same direction is what got the job(s) done. just want to thank everyone who was involved everywhere. didn't matter if you were a kid filling sandbags or a person with a truck and a trailer hauling the bags or even a flooded out person who went to help the guy down the street that wasn't flooded. everyone who was involved should be proud of them selfs. We are ROCK County and we are solid. (but i think the sandbags are getting soggy)LOL got to laugh or you will go insane. STAY SAFE

John Kinnett and the Anchor Inn have been a godsend... THANK YOU!

Julie Cunningham from the United Way. You called her and she'd route you to places to volunteer to fill sandbags.

From what I heard, Rock County was proactive, and Jefferson County was reactive.
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And in reading past articles on that flood, John Kinnett and the Anchor Inn should have their own check box.

There is always the Salvation Army that you can donate to. I'm sure they would'nt turn down donations.

I guess I didn't see any standouts in being helpful. It seems there is still a disconnect between local/county/state authorities on communications? On just basic communications such as road closures. Is there a website somewhere that these things were discussed publicly? I did not see it relayed anywhere.

As an evacuated person....My thanks really go to the city of Janesville. Everyone from Scheiffer, Kelly from codes, the Jvl Police Dept., and other city officials. Also the businesses have been helpful. I am so greatful to all of you for everything. I may not be home yet, but i have a comfortable bed to sleep in. Thanks to the Red Cross for the meals. Red Cross saddened me though because they turned away so many donation offers from city residents. So my thanks to all of you who even tried to help us and were rejected. I don't understand all this protocol nonsense. Maybe we need to start our own unofficial disaster group so that in the future we can donate to our own when needed. Once again, thank-you all.

Thank Heaven for the Red Cross. Keep up the compassion!!