Gilchrist Helps Support COVID-19 Relief Efforts
When COVID-19 started spreading across the United States, many Americans didn’t know what type of impact it would have on their daily lives. Not only did restaurants, bars and many retail stores close but the public was advised to stay at home as much as possible to stop the spread. But there are other sectors of the population that needed more help.
Supporting the Area’s Most Vulnerable
The Gilchrist Foundation has always supported relief efforts during an emergency and the COVID-19 pandemic was no different. Many organizations stepped up to serve the area’s most vulnerable population with food and supplies including The Salvation Army. The Foundation gave $20,000 to help The Salvation Army complete that mission.
On a national level, The Salvation Army is working with local, state and federal governments and health authorities like FEMA and the CDC to develop new hygiene and cleaning protocols for those who depend on the organization’s programs and services. In Iowa, The Salvation Army is coordinating with local school districts to help feed those children out of school. It is also providing food to First Responders, and offering emotional and spiritual care through community care calls. The money given by the Gilchrist Foundation helps further those efforts.
Keeping Iowa Informed and Educated
One of the best ways to curb the spread of COVID-19 is with information. Iowa Public Television has facilitated the broadcast of Governor Kim Reynolds’ nearly daily updates about how the pandemic is affecting the state. Governor Kim Reynolds’ daily briefings can be accessed on the Iowa PBS website. The Gilchrist Foundation gave $20,000 to support those efforts.
Along with updates about the number of Iowans testing positive for the coronavirus, Iowa Public Television has also increased its free, educational program to help educate viewers who are stuck at home. Iowa PBS collaborated with other Iowa agencies and organizations to provide access to educational enrichment options for students, parents and educators when classroom learning was disrupted. These agencies included Iowa’s Area Education Agencies, Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council, the Iowa Department of Education and Iowa Reading Research Center.
The Gilchrist Foundation provides incentives and funds to pre-selected non-profit organizations, with a preference for the Sioux City area. Interests considered for funding include: Wildlife & Conservation, Arts & Public Broadcasting, and Disaster Relief. Jocelyn Gilchrist, who founded the Gilchrist Foundation, loved the arts, music and public television. Any organization whose interests align with the Gilchrist Foundation can apply for an invite.