When Disaster Hits, The Gilchrist Foundation Is There

Summer is full of fun outdoor activities like festivals, food trucks, boating and baseball. Yet, this exciting time of the year is also one of the most dangerous due to severe weather. May through September is prime time for tornadoes, floods and hurricanes and the impact these natural disasters have on us is devastating. Not only is there damage to our homes and health, but lives are at risk. It is for that reason the Gilchrist Foundation has pledged to help disaster relief efforts year-after-year. Its founder, Jocelyn Gilchrist, was deeply concerned about supporting people in need and was specifically interested in disaster relief. The Sioux City-based foundation has been a significant contributor to both local and national disaster relief efforts.

Iowa Damaged By Floods And Tornadoes In 2018

The Gilchrist Foundation supports the American Red Cross. This summer alone the foundation gave $85,000 to the American Red Cross to assist with flooding across northwest Iowa and tornado damage in the areas of the Pella, Marshalltown and Bondurant.

In June, heavy rainfall caused the Little Sioux and Rock rivers to swell out of their banks, flooding neighboring towns and fields. The town of Rock Valley was forced to evacuate residents from threatened homes and businesses. The foundation’s support helped provide aid to the families impacted.

In late-July a pair of EF-3 tornadoes and an EF-2 touched down in central Iowa destroying businesses and homes. Governor Kim Reynolds issued disaster proclamations in four counties. The Gilchrist Foundation’s support will help the residents of that area pick up the pieces.

Hurricanes Harvey And Irma Cause Widespread Devastation

The impact of 2017’s Hurricanes Harvey and Irma are still being felt today. According to news reports, Harvey caused at least 82 deaths and $180 billion in damages and Irma caused at least 61 deaths and $150-200 billion in damages. The Gilchrist Foundation awarded the American Red Cross two grants of $100,000 to support relief efforts. That money helped provide overnight shelter stays, meals and snacks, relief items and immediate financial assistance for severely affected households.

Ready 365 Disaster Partner Program

Since disasters can strike anytime, anywhere, the Gilchrist Foundation also supports the Siouxland Area Chapter of the American Red Cross’ Ready 365 disaster partner program. This program recruits and trains volunteers for quick disaster response. The foundation has pledged monies for several years to this deserving group that is on-the-ready to help Siouxland communities when disaster does strike.

The Gilchrist Foundation was established by Jocelyn Gilchrist in December 1998 to honor her family and further their interests. After Jocelyn’s death, the Foundation continued in her memory and is proud to support the philanthropic interests of the Gilchrist family. Organizations designed to aid in disaster recovery are encouraged to apply for funding through the Gilchrist Foundation. Learn more about our grant applications.

 

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