To encourage local gifts of cash toward flood relief efforts in West Virginia, the Parkersburg Area Community Foundation (PACF) is matching the first $10,000 raised through the PACF for this purpose.
PACF’s Executive Director, Judy Sjostedt, said, “We are all deeply saddened by the catastrophic losses suffered by our fellow West Virginians. This recent flooding is unique given that so many of the locations which flooded had little history of prior issues. As a result, a large number of the affected families did not carry flood insurance and thus, face devastating losses. As a community foundation, PACF’s leaders and supporters want to help our neighbors at this time of great need.”
“There are many different ways to aid flood relief efforts from donating one’s time to providing materials or other resources. We urge everyone to find some way to help. PACF is offering a local means by which citizens can multiply their cash donations to strengthen the impact of those gifts. Since these gifts must be put to use swiftly, we are offering to match up to $10,000 in cash gifts made for flood relief to PACF by check or cash from now until Friday, July 1st at noon.
All monies raised by PACF plus PACF’s matching funds will be distributed–100%–for flood relief in West Virginia, shared between the American Red Cross and the West Virginia VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster). An interdenominational effort, VOAD coordinates resources and efforts for many different volunteer groups in the flood areas. Should monies beyond the initial $10,000 matching amount be received, those funds will also be directed to flood relief. A public report will be issued following the campaign.
To make a donation that will qualify toward the matching resources, checks should be made payable to PACF (memo line “flood relief”) and dropped off to PACF during normal business hours at the Foundation’s Central Office at the Vasan Family Center for Philanthropy, 1620 Park Avenue in Parkersburg (directly across from the main entrance to City Park). Qualifying gifts can also be made by credit card online on the Foundation’s website, www.pacfwv.com, using the “Network for Good” button on the top right side of the page (be sure to use the designation box to identify your gift as for flood relief).
As PACF seeks to provide these monies for flood relief quickly, the matching offer closes at noon on Friday, July 1st. Please send any questions to info@pacfwv.com or call 304.428.4438.
