Gilchrist Foundation Helps Fund Flood Disaster Relief in Siouxland
Each year the Gilchrist Foundation gives thousands of dollars to fund disaster recovery. In 2023 alone, the Foundation gave the American Red Cross $150,000 in disaster grants to aid victims of wildfires, tornados, hurricanes and floods. And while the Foundation pledges to support disaster victims across the United States, sometimes that help is needed at home.
June 2024 Record-Breaking Flooding
In June 2024, several communities in Northwest Iowa were impacted by rising flood waters due to heavy rains that caused several rivers, including the Big Sioux and Missouri rivers, to reach record flood stages. In Sioux City, the Big Sioux River reached a new record level of 46 feet, nearly 10 feet above the previous level. The flood waters impacted homes and businesses across the area, including in Sioux City’s Riverside area as well as McCook Lake and North Sioux, S.D.
The intense flooding across Northwest Iowa prompted Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds to push for a Major Disaster Declaration for several counties including Woodbury, Sioux, Plymouth, Clay, Dickinson and O’Brien counties.
And just as in previous years, the Foundation quickly responded to local needs by funding flood relief efforts right here at home.
The American Red Cross
In June 2024, the Foundation awarded a $75,000 disaster grant to the American Red Cross. The money helped local Red Cross efforts that included managing or supporting five shelters in Northwest Iowa located in Spencer, Rock Valley, Hawarden, Sioux City and Correctionville.
American Red Cross officials told press outlets that as of early July, those shelters have had almost 3,000 overnight stays. The organization has also distributed nearly 17,000 meals and 17,5000 snacks as well as 6,500 clean up kit and relief supplies.
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters. Each year the Gilchrist Foundation awards tens of thousands of dollars to help fund disaster relief efforts nationwide.
The Salvation Army
In June 2024, the Foundation awarded the Salvation Army a $100,000 disaster grant to help the agency respond to flooding. Salvation Army teams provided food, hydration and household supplies at a local emergency shelter. The team at the Sioux City emergency shelter offered hydration and snacks to displaced residents and provided meal services.
The Salvation Army has been responding to natural disasters and other emergencies within the United States for more than 100 years. Salvation Army mobile feeding units and teams of trained disaster workers are always ready to offer help, hope and healing to disaster survivors and rescue workers.
United Way of Siouxland Recovery Fund
The Foundation also awarded $25,000 to the United Way for its Recovery Fund. As of mid-July, the Recovery Fund had collected more than $200,000 in donations. The purpose of the Siouxland Recovery Fund is to provide financial resources to help meet short, intermediate and long-term needs for recovery in the Siouxland area when a major disaster strikes. On June 23, 2024, the fund was activated to support the recovery efforts of major flooding in the Siouxland region, with a focus on Union County S.D., Dakota County, Neb. and Woodbury and Plymouth Counties in Iowa.
Local organizations leading the Siouxland Recovery Fund are: American Red Cross, COAD (Community Organizations Active in Disaster), Dakota County Emergency Management, North Sioux City Fire Dept., Salvation Army, Sioux City Fire Department, Siouxland Community Foundation, United Way of Siouxland (fiscal agent) and Woodbury County Emergency Management.
The United Way of Siouxland creates solutions to build a stronger Siouxland. Its focus is on improving education, strengthening financial stability and making the community healthier. It funds 31 programs with community partners who are engaged with us to advocate community-led solutions.
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.