Generosity fuels solutions in Jones County
In 2020, an increased number of people faced barriers to meeting basic needs, and the Jones County Community Foundation’s Disaster Relief Fund was there to help. Thanks to generous local donors and volunteers, families and schools received support during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The last year has been difficult for many people. They faced hardships like job loss, reduction in hours, remote schooling and child care shortages,” say Rick and Patty Delagardelle of Anamosa, who made several gifts to the Disaster Relief Fund. “We felt that giving was the morally responsible thing to do.”
Gifts from the Delagardelles and many others allowed the Community Foundation to award nearly $18,000 to Jones County schools and nonprofits providing food, personal protective equipment, educational materials, child care, internet access and utility assistance.
A grant to the Anamosa Ministerial Association helped provide emergency overnight shelter for 15 households, water utility assistance for 10 households, and $800 in gas vouchers for people with chronic illnesses traveling for treatment.
Partnering with the Foundation, the Monticello Ministerial Association stepped up to match a grant from the Disaster Relief Fund to the Olin Food Pantry, which created a “pop-up” pantry outside of regular hours. The grant covered staples like meat, milk, eggs, butter, bread, vegetables, toothbrushes and toilet paper for over 50 families.
A grant to Little Lion Learning Center in Olin helped cover bills as the daycare continued operating through the pandemic — even with far fewer children. “The grant from the Foundation is greatly appreciated by all the Little Lion families,” says one parent. “Our hearts are comforted knowing the staff who watch over our loved ones will be taken care of and their jobs are safe.”
Like the Delagardelles and many others, you can help our community face new challenges head on. Contact Sherri Hunt at 319-551-3402 or email jccf@dbqfoundation.org to learn more about making a gift.