Gilchrist Supports the American Red Cross’ Disaster Recovery

Millions of Americans and hundreds of communities are affected by disasters each year. Fires, floods, tornados and earthquakes destroy homes, misplace people and cause injuries and deaths. That’s why the work that the American Red Cross does is so important, and why the Gilchrist Foundation supports the Red Cross’ disaster relief efforts year after year.

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters. It supplies about 40% of the nation's blood, teaches skills that save lives, distributes international humanitarian aid and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. Each year the Gilchrist Foundation awards tens of thousands of dollars to help fund disaster relief efforts nationwide. In 2023, the Foundation has already awarded $50,000 to the American Red Cross to help with relief efforts in California and the southern United States.

Gilchrist Foundation Awards $25,000 for California Flooding

In late January, the Foundation gave $25,000 to the American Red Cross to aid in relief efforts for flood victims in California. Beginning December 27, 2022, back-to-back severe winter storms, fed by an atmospheric river in the Pacific Ocean, led to flooding, landslides, roads being washed away, power outages and evacuations.

With the help of more than 800 trained Red Cross disaster workers and partners, the organization has provided more than 9,300 stays in more than 80 shelters, more than 63,100 meals and snacks, and distributed more than 14,700 relief items such as comfort kits and other relief supplies. Trained volunteers also helped families cope and replace critical items like prescription medications, eyeglasses and medical equipment like canes and wheelchairs. The Gilchrist Foundation’s support aided these efforts.

Gilchrist Foundation Awards $25,000 for Tornados and Storms in the South

In late March, the Foundation awarded $25,000 to the American Red Cross to help fund round-the-clock relief efforts in the southern United States. In early spring, deadly tornados swept across the South and Midwest. Reports indicate more than 2,700 homes were destroyed or received major damage. In response, more than 1,400 trained Red Cross disaster workers and partners provided more than 255,000 meals and served more than 10,800 households with hundreds of thousands in relief supplies. The Red Cross notes that many shelters are serving as community hubs where people can get a hot meal and Red Cross assistance. The Gilchrist Foundation’s award helps the Red Cross fund these efforts and supports those impacted by spring’s deadly tornados.

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.

The Foundation routinely supports disaster relief efforts both locally and nationwide. Contact the Foundation via our website to learn more.