DES MOINES, Iowa -- Victims of last month's floods were still pouring in last week as the Iowa Credit Union Foundation, the major industry agency processing claims, reported national contributions of $410,000.
"I am a little surprised at the volume we received--over 300 applications--and they're still coming in on a daily basis," said Dyann Longseth, vice president of communications for the $1.4 billion Veridian CU of Waterloo, which made the largest single contribution of $100,000 to the foundation's disaster relief fund.
Individual CUs, state leagues and foundations across the U.S. have responded with donations ever since major rivers overflowed their banks, destroying thousands of homes and businesses in Cedar Rapids, Waterloo, Iowa City, Des Moines plus many other locales.
Marybeth Foster, executive director of the foundation, said the $500 grants designed for emergency expenses are already being distributed to member and employee victims of 38 CUs across the state. The grant requests processed through the foundation office have now topped 1,900 as foundation committees sift through applications.
The National Credit Union Foundation has joined in the disaster relief effort and solicitation of contributions since the disaster struck.
Meanwhile, Richard K. Benhart, president/CEO of the $469 million Collins Community CU in Cedar Rapids, said his CU was "doing all we can to help our members stay intact" with forbearance agreements, mortgage extensions and other assistance.
--jrubenstein@cutimes.com
