Published: November 01, 2008 06:52 pm      

United Way provides Hurricane Ike grants

From Staff Reports



The United Way of Navarro County distributed grants worth $12,500 Friday to local charities that helped evacuees from Hurricane Ike. The American Red Cross, Salvation Army, Navarro County Food Pantry, and YMCA of Corsicana each received checks from United Way for their efforts in coordinating with area churches and other local organizations to meet the needs of people who fled the storm and sought shelter in Navarro County.

“In recognition of the efforts of these agencies, and to provide extra resources for helping Navarro County residents, we are pleased to award Emergency Services Grants to these partner agencies,” said Dan Wilkie, president of the United Way board.

The Salvation Army received $5,000 for taking in more than 40 evacuees, and feeding them. The Salvation Army also provided food and clothing for others, who weren’t in the shelter.

The Navarro County Food Pantry received $4,000 for also providing food for evacuees who were staying in local hotels and with relatives.

The American Red Cross received $2,500 for coordinating the volunteers, sheltering and mass care feeding for the point-to-point agreements with La Porte.

The YMCA provided showers and other services for evacuees, and was granted $1,000.

The United Way of Navarro County is currently in the middle of its annual fund-raising drive to garner financial support for its partner agencies, like Red Cross and Meals on Wheels. The goal for the 2009 campaign is $390,000, and currently has pledges for about 45 percent of that money, Wilkie said.

To schedule a workplace campaign, to make a contribution, or to find out more about United Way of Navarro County, the Web site is www.unitedwayofnavarrocounty.com.