The Iowa Farm Bureau Fed­­eration (IFBF) has don­ated $15,000 to further boots-on-the-ground relief efforts of the American Red Cross (ARC) following the Aug. 10 derecho. 

“In the long term, there is much work to be done to rebuild what has been lost, but in the short term, Iowans’ needs for food, shelter and medical attention need to be immediately met and the American Red Cross has the infrastructure in place to assist with those services,” said Craig Hill, IFBF president. 

The American Red Cross has provided nearly 1,000 overnight stays for Iowans and kept many nourished with more than 22,000 meals and 3,000 cases of water. The ARC Disaster Health Services team also attends to medical needs, making nearly 1,000 contacts to af­­fected residents.

“I think the destruction from this storm is worse than the 2008 floods. We are seeing a growing need for basic services and supplies, and we are grateful to the Iowa Farm Bureau for their continued commitment to serving Iowans across the state when terrible disasters like this leave so many without basic necessities,” Justin Haas, ARC regional philanthropy officer, said. 

IFBF encourages all Iowans and those across the country who wish to help to also donate to the American Red Cross’ disaster recovery efforts by visiting www.redcross.org/donate. 

IFBF also established a disaster exchange resources website where Iowans can seek assistance or offer their goods or services to those in need. Visit www.iowafarmbureau.com/disasterexchange to learn more.