Virginia officials have added $600,000 in anticipated state agency savings toward a fund for Virginians who were affected by severe weather and tornadoes that struck last month. The money is the latest addition to a fund Gov. Bob McDonnell governor recently established to collect donations from companies, non-profit organizations, volunteer organizations, faith-based groups and residents.

The state contribution and all donated money will go toward the Virginia Disaster Relief Fund. Charitable organizations and faith-based groups can request resources from this fund for specific cases that will assist individuals to recover from the April severe weather. Long-Term Recovery Groups (local government and voluntary group partnerships) established in the hardest hit communities can also apply for funds.

Local officials will validate each request and then submit them to a management committee of technical experts for review. Members of the committee include representatives from the Virginia departments of Emergency Management, Housing and Community Development and Social Services, as well as Virginia Voluntary Organizations active in disasters.

Citizens, businesses and nonprofits also may donate to the fund through one of two methods: online at http://disasterrelief.vi.virginia.gov/ or by checks payable to the Treasurer of Virginia with “Tornado Relief” noted in the memo line, sent to Comptroller’s Office, P.O. Box 1971, Richmond, VA 23218-1971. All donations are tax deductible.

The website provides information about the program and how money will be distributed.

“Volunteer groups have been on the ground helping their neighbors since the first storm hit. My sincere gratitude goes out to all who have given their time and resources to assist those impacted by these storms,” said McDonnell. “Virginians care about one another and that giving nature has been very apparent over the past few weeks as people from all over help the communities and individuals impacted by April’s storms and tornados. There is much work left to be done and more resources are needed in order to rebuild. I ask that citizens and businesses lend their support to those in need. This state funding, along with money raised through donations, will provide needed aid to those who are putting their lives back together after these severe storms.”

Virginia has appealed the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s denial of federal assistance to Virginia for the April storms. If federal assistance ultimately is approved, the Virginia Disaster Relief Fund will remain available to help fulfill unmet needs.