In response to the tragedies surrounding the recent tornados that affected Scott County and surrounding areas, the Scott County Community Foundation has established a Disaster Relief Fund. One hundred percent of donations to this fund will support disaster recovery efforts, and will focus on long-term needs as the community recovers.
In addition, funding will be provided from the Scott County Immediate Response Fund, an endowment fund that was established several years ago to meet the immediate needs of local agencies. Donations to this fund will provide support for future needs that may arise from not only natural disasters, but as an aid to local nonprofits to become more effective and efficient in accomplishing their own programs. Past grant recipients include American Red Cross to purchase disaster relief supplies; Children?s Health Clinic to give preventive and medical services to children; United Way of Scott County for the 2-1-1 referral help line, housing for homeless people and ramps for the disabled and elderly; the Preservation Alliance, Inc. for roof repair at the Scott County Heritage Center and Museum, and other programs.
?In communicating with several local agencies which are coordinating donations and services, they have been overwhelmed with the generosity of people from not only in our community, but across the state and nation,? said Jaime Toppe, Community Foundation Executive Director. ?We have determined that the immediate needs of victims are currently being met, and the Foundation will begin to focus our funding on long-term needs for rebuilding.?
?Our Board of Directors will work with community leaders and nonprofit agencies to determine those with unmet needs, and pool our resources to ensure assistance is provided for those affected persons,? Toppe continued. ?I encourage people also to donate to our Immediate Response Fund in case of future disasters that could strike our community again. We ask the community to continue keeping everyone in their thoughts and prayers as we go down this long road of recovery.?
To make a tax-deductible contribution to the Disaster Relief Fund, please send to Scott County Community Foundation, P.O. Box 25; Scottsburg, IN 47170, or drop off at the office, 60 N. Main St., Scottsburg. Please call 812-752-2057 or email?info@www.scottcountyfoundation.org?with questions.
