United Way Of Central Illinois Announces $10,000 In Emergency Funding To American Red Cross

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Nov. 27, 2013 - PRLog -- Tuesday evening, United Way of Central Illinois’ Board of Directors approved $10,000 in emergency relief funding to the Illinois Capital Area Chapter of American Red Cross. The emergency relief funding followed a request from American Red Cross, received on the same day, to assist the agency in disaster recovery and relief efforts following the November 17th tornado outbreak in Illinois.

The emergency assistance was funded from United Way’s Emergency Relief Fund established to provide additional funding to local nonprofit agencies during times of crisis.  “Although United Way of Central Illinois provides year-round services and program funding in Sangamon and Menard County, it is important for our community to support our neighbors who are struggling to overcome the widespread devastation caused by these storms,” said John Kelker, President of United Way of Central Illinois.  “By providing requested assistance to the Red Cross we are not only assisting neighboring communities, but also assuring that the Red Cross has sufficient resources available in our community, to respond to future needs of families.”

Since November 17, Red Cross has provided more than 45,000 meals and snacks, distributed more than 5,000 relief items and provided nearly 1,000 health and mental health service in Central Illinois. “Red Cross is the first on the scene when disaster strikes and we have an obligation to make sure Red Cross has the resources available to meet the immediate food, shelter and health care needs of these communities,” Kelker said.

The United Way Emergency Fund provides a safety net to community agencies during time of crisis in order to protect daily operations and vital services.  Year-to-date United Way of Central Illinois has distributed $35,450 in emergency funding to three local agencies requesting assistance.