USU Blanding Collecting Donations for Families Affected by San Juan River Flooding

Utah State University Blanding and USU Extension are collecting donations through Nov. 6 to support students, their families, and the community affected by flooding along the San Juan River in southeastern Utah.

In late October, record rainfall in the San Juan River watershed pushed the river over its banks. About 150 people in Montezuma Creek, Aneth, and Bluff were displaced, and more than 1,000 Navajo people were affected, according to the Navajo Nation. Floodwater contaminated by breached wastewater lagoons damaged homes and businesses along the river, and many families face months of cleanup.

“USU Blanding is part of this community, and many of our students and employees have family along the San Juan River,” said Eric Alexander, associate vice president for engagement and well-being and dean of students. “We want to do what we can to help and support our students, their families, and the community.”

How to Donate

Donations are accepted at two locations through Nov. 6:

Blanding: USU Blanding CTE Building, 860 S. Main St., Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to noon. Hours may change because of weather, so donors should call 435-994-5559 before dropping off items.
Logan: Taggart Student Center, Room 326, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Both locations are for collection only and do not distribute items.

Needed items include:

Food and drinks: Nonperishable food, unopened baby formula, cases of water, and electrolyte drinks.
Personal care: Diapers, baby wipes, toilet paper, paper towels, soap, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, feminine hygiene products, and first-aid kits.
Clothing and bedding: Shoes, boots, pants, shirts, socks, and underwear in all sizes; jackets, beanies, scarves, and gloves; and blankets and towels.
Cleaning supplies: Disinfecting wipes, heavy-duty trash bags, disposable gloves, N95 respirators, buckets, mops, and laundry detergent.
Other supplies: AA and AAA batteries, flashlights, phone chargers, and resealable plastic bags.

New and unopened items are preferred. The drive cannot accept cash donations, pet supplies, school supplies, or medication.

Those who would like to give financially to support affected students can donate to the Student Emergency Hardship Fund online.

Student Resources

USU students affected by the flooding are encouraged to apply for help through the Student Emergency Hardship Fund, which helps cover unexpected costs such as rent, groceries, and medical bills.

Affected students and employees can also find support contacts in the USU flood evacuation resource guide.

Long-Term Recovery

USU Blanding is also working with San Juan County to rebuild flood-damaged roads on the Navajo Nation once the water recedes.

“This recovery will be a long haul, and our neighbors will need support along the way,” said Ken Guan, associate vice president for USU Blanding. “We treat Navajo families as our own family members. Along the river, we depend on each other. We will stand with them each step of the way until the job is done.”

Offering residential campus housing and dining, Utah State University Blanding gives students the personalized attention and small class sizes of a small-town college with the resources of a large university, all while providing award-winning education. With degree options ranging from associate to doctorate degrees, plus technical education offerings in Business, Technical Trades, and Health Professions, USU Blanding offers programs that help fuel local economies and empower individuals and their communities. Learn more at blanding.usu.edu.