Gilchrist Aids the American Red Cross with Tornado Disaster Recovery
On April 26, 2024, multiple tornadoes touched down in Nebraska and Iowa damaging or destroying hundreds of homes and businesses, injuring several people and killing one, according to the National Weather Service. The tornadoes impacted areas in and surrounding Lincoln, Neb., Omaha, Neb. and southwest Iowa. The American Red Cross quickly responded to the devastation, sending disaster workers to help those affected by the storms.
According to the American Red Cross, volunteers distributed nearly 3,000 Emergency Relief Supplies to help residents with clean-up efforts. The items included rakes, shovels, trash bags, work gloves and cleaning supplies. Volunteers also delivered nearly 450 meal kits in the initial days after the tornadoes. The Red Cross also plays a critical role in helping families and communities recover in the weeks and months after a disaster. The Gilchrist Foundation is proud to support those efforts. The Foundation gave a $100,000 donation to help with disaster relief for the Midwest tornadoes.
A History of Support
Natural disasters affect millions of people each year, especially during the spring and summer months when risk increases from severe weather, like tornadoes. Each year, the Gilchrist Foundation gives thousands of dollars towards funding relief efforts. In 2023, the Foundation gave $150,000 in Disaster Grants to help those impacted by California flooding, Hawaii wildfires, southern U.S. tornadoes and storms and Hurricane Idalia. In 2022, the Foundation gave $125,000 to help those affected by flooding in Kentucky, Hurricane Ian and storms in Alaska. And soon after the April 26 tornadoes, the Foundation gave another $50,000 to assist with tornado relief in Greenfield, Iowa. The recurring need for disaster relief is why the Gilchrist Foundation offers special grants that fund immediate disaster relief, without the need to wait. The American Red Cross is on the receiving end of these special grants because the organization is so committed to disaster relief efforts both locally and nationally.
About the American Red Cross
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.
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.