The Lutheran Community Foundation’s Field of Interest Fund dedicated to disaster response distributed its first grant in October of 2007. This $5,000 grant, which went to Lutheran Social Services (LSS) of the South, provides disaster response support to individuals and families through local congregations in Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi.
Heather Gatlin, associate vice president for disaster response said, "This important support from the Lutheran Community Foundation, in partnership with Lutheran Disaster Response and other supporters, will assist survivors of disaster in the time of their greatest need. These dollars will be used to provide emergency lodging, prescription assistance, food and other basic assistance, helping survivors as they regain self-sufficiency after serious losses."
When more than 64,000 homes had power knocked out following a pre-Christmas ice storm in Oklahoma, this grant helped two Lutheran congregations purchase chain saws for tree removal. Additional dollars helped the congregations create a common area for food storage, along with the purchase of replacement food staples.
LSS of the South’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Kurt M. Senske, added that the Lutheran Community Foundation grant ensures that hardship funds are available for victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita along the Gulf Coast as well. "This is particularly helpful at a time when it seems that most of the country has forgotten about their continuing plight."
The Disaster Response Field of Interest Fund is one of eight Foundation-established Field of Interest Funds, each addressing a specific need or issue within the Lutheran community. These unrestricted charitable funds, along with the LCF Community Fund, welcome donor gifts of any size. By joining others in giving to one or more of these unrestricted funds, donors can increase the impact of their gifts and ensure their gifts remain relevant in the future. Donor interests, community assessment and research guide how each benefits the community.
The Lutheran Community Foundation, headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is a faith-based community foundation working nationally to help people give to their favorite charities and causes.
