November 4, 2009 – Kent service clubs are taking the lead to match volunteers with those who need help preparing for potential flooding. Residents can now call or email for help with filling and placing sandbags at their homes.

Kent Sunrise Rotary, Rotary Club of Kent, Kent Meridian Kiwanis Club, Kiwanis Club of Kent, Kent Lions, Soroptimist International of Kent and Quota International of Kent Valley have all come together to serve as volunteer coordinators.

According to Kent’s Housing and Human Services Manager Katherin Johnson, there has been a outpouring of support from local residents and church groups wanting to know how they can help.

“The free sandbags have been a huge benefit for residents, but some people need help getting them” said Johnson. “Some just aren’t physically able to shovel sand or move sandbags. The local service clubs matching these people up with volunteers will be an outstanding help for everyone.”

Residents needing help with sandbags, or people willing to volunteer, can leave a message on the service club hotline at 206-755-4814 or by email at kentserviceclubs@yahoo.com.  Interested parties can also follow the service clubs on Twitter at twitter.com/SandbagsKentWA.

The Kent Valley is facing a higher risk of flooding this winter due to water seeping more rapidly through an earthen bank next to the Howard Hanson Dam after record high water last winter. Until the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers can make repairs, it must limit the amount of flood water it stores behind the dam.

Your donation of a new or gently used Children’s or Young Adult coat or socks provides underprivileged girls and boys much needed clothing to keep them warm during our colder months.
Thank you!

Drop Off Locations:

Kent Police Department -
Headquarters Lobby
220 – 4th Ave South

Kent Fire Stations
#71 – 504 West Crow
#72 – 25620 – 140th Avenue
#73 – 26512 Military Road South
#74 – 24611 – 116th Avenue SE
#75 – 15635 SE 272nd
#77 – 20717 – 132nd Avenue SE
#78 – 17820 SE 256th

City of Kent Centennial Center Lobby
400 West Gowe Street

Kent Station – Marie Haggin
441 Ramsay Way, Suite 103

Greater Kent Historical Museum
855 East Smith Street

Kent Senior Activity Center
600 East Smith Street

SI of Kent’s mission: To improve the lives of women and girls in our local community, and throughout the world.