Gilchrist Foundation Pledges $100,000 for Spring Flooding Relief
In early March 2019, a storm system released torrential rainfall over existing snowpack across Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota and other Midwest states. The rain flash-melted huge quantities of water, overwhelming dams and levees. Groundwater bubbled up into many homes across Siouxland, but those located along rivers, including the Elk Horn River in Nebraska and Big Sioux, Little Sioux and Floyd rivers in Iowa, faced dire flooding conditions.
The American Red Cross had more than 550 workers helping people in hard-hit communities across Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Kansas and Wisconsin. It opened multiple shelters, including one in Sioux City and another near Hornick, Iowa, and provided thousands of overnight stays as people in affected communities sought a safe refuge from the floodwaters.
Helping Provide Community Relief
The American Red Cross’ efforts got a boost from the Gilchrist Foundation on March 19 from a $100,000 donation to help with flood relief. These funds will provide food, flood clean-up kits and cleaning supplies.
The American Red Cross of North and Western Iowa, headquartered in Sioux City, works with emergency management throughout the region to make sure people have what they need to recover. This local branch serves communities in Buena Vista, Calhoun, Cerro Gordo, Cherokee, Clay, Crawford, Dickinson, Emmet, Franklin, Hamilton, Hancock, Humboldt, Ida, Kossuth, Lyon, Monona, O’Brien, Osceola, Palo Alto, Plymouth, Pocahontas, Sac, Sioux, Webster, Winnebago, Woodbury and Wright counties in Iowa, and Dakota County Nebraska and Union County, South Dakota.
Stay Vigilant Through Spring
Unfortunately, the flooding may not yet be over for the region. Nearly two-thirds of the lower 48 states face an elevated risk for flooding through May with potential for major or moderate flooding in 25 states, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Those along the Missouri River can prepare by packing an emergency kit, making a plan for family and pets, and keeping insurance policies, valuables and other important documents in a safe deposit box or a place not likely to be damaged in a flood. Visit the American Red Cross’ website for more information on how to prepare for a flood.
About the Gilchrist Foundation
The Gilchrist Foundation was established by Jocelyn Gilchrist of Sioux City to honor her family. Her father, William Gilchrist, was an influential part of the livestock industry in the early and mid-1900s. The wealth accumulated throughout his life is used to support the family’s special interests, including wildlife and conservation, the Arts and public broadcasting, and disaster relief. After Jocelyn’s death, the Foundation continued in her memory and is proud to support the philanthropic interests of the Gilchrist family.