United Way of East Central Iowa, the Community Corrections Improvement Association and AmeriCorps/Vista have established a coordinated point of contact for area residents looking to volunteer and people needing help with flood recovery. The East Central Iowa Volunteer Reception Center opens today and will be located at Echo Hill Presbyterian Church, 1700 B Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids.

Individuals, groups and organizations wishing to volunteer should call 319-540-4810. Individuals and organizations looking for assistance should call 319-540-4815. The Center’s normal business hours will be 8:00 am-6:00 pm, Monday-Friday. 

This effort will take the place of calling Serve the City to volunteer or seek assistance. The Volunteer Reception Center will be collecting information already submitted through a number of groups and work in conjunction with Churches United, Serve the City, CorridorRecovery.org, businesses and others to help match those able to help with those most in need.

 "We’re aware that many people have been interested in volunteering and many people have been looking for help," said Leslie Wright, Director of Community Impact for United Way of East Central Iowa. "Coming together, and utilizing the AmeriCorps/Vista team, we should be able to more effectively meet community needs."

 Volunteer opportunities are also still available on