Following the recent flooding in the Mohawk Valley, The Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties has issued an emergency challenge grant, pledging to match donations to American Red Cross Disaster Relief up to $10,000. 

“In the wake of recent flooding, our community’s strength and solidarity shines through as neighbors help each other,” said Alicia Dicks, president/CEO of The Community Foundation. “Supporting organizations like the American Red Cross ensures people affected by this disaster, and those in the future, have the services and support they need to start the recovery process.”

“Support from our community allowed us to respond immediately to this month’s floods, and to be there for local families when they needed us most,” said Mallory Scheve, executive director of the American Red Cross Mohawk Valley Chapter. “We are very grateful to The Community Foundation for pledging their support for Disaster Relief with this grant. We hope that people will give generously to help us meet the $10,000 match and ensure that we are ready to respond to future disasters.”

In response to major flooding which impacted more than 300 homes in the Mohawk Valley, the Red Cross opened an emergency shelter at the Oneida-Herkimer-Madison BOCES on July 1. In addition to providing safe shelter for over a week, Red Cross workers distributed almost 500 clean up kits, containing items such as mops, bleach, gloves and other cleaning supplies, and served nearly 7,000 meals and snacks to help flood victims on the road to recovery. The Red Cross also provided health services, emotional support, and other assistance to residents in need.

All Red Cross assistance is provided free of charge, thanks to the generosity of the public. You can help people affected by disasters big and small by making a gift to American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift will help those whose lives are upended by disasters like the recent flooding in the Mohawk Valley. Your gift will not only help with immediate needs like food and shelter; it will also put people on the road to recovery and guide communities as they better prepare for emergencies and respond to everyday disasters, such as home fires.

To have your donation matched by The Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties, visit www.redcross.org/herkimeroneida-pub or send a check to the American Red Cross Mohawk Valley Chapter, 1415 Genesee Street, Utica, NY 13501 with “Challenge Grant” printed in the memo line. The Community Foundation will match all gifts dollar for dollar up to $10,000.