(Photo by Kris Todd) Items for flood-ravaged eastern Iowa residents may be deposited in this semi-trailer truck parked across the street from Cycle Country, which is located south of West 18th Street at 1701 38th Ave. W., Spencer. The trailer will remain open from 7:15 a.m. until 4 p.m. Sunday through Saturday. After-hour drop-off arrangements, or to arrange the pick up of a large collection of items, may be scheduled by telephoning Keri Gross at (712) 262-4191 Ext. 241.

Daily Reporter Staff

An effort to collect items needed by fellow Hawkeye state residents overwhelmed by this summer's floods has taken root with a Spencer-based business.

After hearing of local employees with family members affected by the 2008 floods, Cycle Country Accessories Corporation management opted to participate in the Flood of Hope effort. The grassroots endeavor began with two eastern Iowa organizations -- Independent Child Advocate Services and Windsor Manor -- initiative to help flood victims in the surrounding area.

"The people in these areas are in desperate need of many items to begin rebuilding their lives," said Keri Gross, a Cycle Country purchasing agent who is spearheading the local collection effort. "The city of Vinton alone lost its fire department, county jail and electrical plant, as well as many private homes and businesses. Residents who did not have to throw out food due to the floods had to due to a four-day power outage."

In an effort to get others involved in this outreach effort, Cycle Country management representatives sent a notice to company vendors and customers alike, many of whom are planning to host various events to raise the much-needed supplies.

"So far, the support that has been given back to us has been very strong," said Don Carnes, Cycle Country director of marketing. "...Locally, our employees have already started to bring items in. Their friends and family are also bringing items in, and we're starting to fill up the first truck. On the national level, we've contacted our distributors. Their response has been very strong.

Tucker Rocky Distributing, one of our largest distributors, has already responded by having a contest at their seven distribution centers (in Fort Worth, Texas, Visalia, Calif., Portland, Ore., Denver, Colo., Bolingbrook, Ill., Jacksonville, Fla. and Jessup, Pa.), to see who can provide the most number of pallets of food and goods back to us. We're getting similar type of responses from our other distributors too."

"We would like to fill at least one semi trailer full of supplies for these people to help get them on the road to recovery," added Gross. "With your help, this goal is possible to achieve and possibly even exceed. Please consider what you can give to help, and contact us with your plan or any questions."

* Plans are to continue collecting donated items through the end of July.

THE FOLLOWING ITEMS ARE NEEDED:

* Beds, dressers, dining furniture, sofas, loveseats, chairs, end tables, lamps, recliners, laundry baskets

* Small appliances such as fans, dehumidifiers, air conditioners, can openers, microwaves, toaster ovens, toasters, electric skillets, telephones, electric mixers

* Personal care items such as soap items, shampoo, conditioners, facial cleansers, other toiletries, new packaged razors, female sanitary supplies, adult disposable briefs

* Band-aids, first aid kits and items, cold packs, durable medical equipment, Pedialyte (or other brands)

* Paper products such as toilet paper, paper towels, tissues, paper plates, paper cups, napkins, plastic utensils

* Large appliances such as washers, dryers, stoves and ovens, dishwashers, refrigerators, freezers, water softeners, hot water heaters

* Non-perishable food items such as canned and boxed foods, soups, flour, sugar, seasonings, oatmeal, cereal, condiments, prepackaged meat, granola bars, snack items

* Cleaning supplies such as bleach, disinfectants, hand sanitizers, household soaps and cleaners, laundry soap and softeners, breathing masks, vinyl gloves, rubber boots, garbage bags, cleaning rags, mops, brooms, buckets, shovels and hoses for getting mud out of homes

* Gift cards to Alco, Theisen's, McDowels, Rabe Hardware, VU Bucks from Vinton Unlimited, Fareway, Roy's Grocery Store, gas cards from local gas stations, other local vendors, pharmacy gift cards, Target, Wal-Mart

* Rebuilding supplies such as sheetrock, lumber, joint compound, hand tools, power tools

* Used items in good condition are acceptable.

* Monetary donations are also welcome. Checks should be made payable to: Vinton Community Foundation -- Vinton Flood Relief