Southwest Initiative Foundation has established a tornado recovery fund in partnership with its community affiliate, Litchfield Area Community Foundation.
This emergency fund, called the Meeker County Tornado Recovery Effort Fund, will help those impacted by the recent tornadoes in Meeker County with financial assistance related to long-term recovery efforts. You can help by making a gift (which is tax deductible!).
To achieve the greatest impact with your gift, SWIF is waiving our standard fund administration fee and covering the processing fees for donations made online. That means 100 percent of every dollar donated will help with long-term recovery efforts.
On Monday evening July 11, 2016, thunderstorms produced at least four tornadoes across central Minnesota. Areas hardest hit were Watkins and northwest Litchfield. Read the complete story here.
Gifts can be made in several ways, including: Check payable to “Meeker County Tornado Recovery Effort Fund” and dropped off at radio station KLFD AM 1410, 234 N. Sibley Avenue, Litchfield, MN 55355; or mailed to the SWIF office; online with a credit card at www.swifoundation.org/donate; or, call the SWIF office at 800-594-9480 and ask to speak with Nancy Fasching.
Fasching is SWIF’s community impact director and oversees its grant programs. “In times of an emergency, the immediate response from organizations like the Red Cross is absolutely crucial. But long-term recovery efforts are just as important. That’s where Southwest Initiative Foundation and Litchfield Area Community Foundation can help,” said Fasching.
Donations given to the fund will be made available to those impacted by the tornadoes, according to Fasching. “We’ll know more about the type and level of support we’ll be able to provide within the next two weeks.”
“We’ve already heard the stories of neighbors helping neighbors and local businesses like Litchfield Building Center and Anytime Fitness opening their doors after hours to help. It’s heartwarming. And, this fund is a vehicle for those who also want to make a financial contribution,” added Fasching.
Here is a list of businesses in the area we are aware of that are offering support to those affected:
- Anytime Fitness – free restroom and showers
- Backyard Salon and Tanning – free shampoo styles to those affected
- Econofoods – free cases of water
- Litchfield Building Center – help with supplies and service
- McDonald’s – free food to work crews
- Misty Creek Ranch Pet Resort – free pet boarding for those affected
- Taco John’s of Litchfield – free food coupons to those affected
For more information about the fund or to make a gift, contact Nancy Fasching at 800-594-9480 or [email protected].
