Disaster relief fund debuts to help victims

A $10,000 donation kicked off the launch of the Montco Emergency Disaster Relief Fund.

NORRISTOWN » A $10,000 donation kicked off the launch of the Montco Emergency Disaster Relief Fund, a spokesperson for Montgomery County said Wednesday.

“We thank the anonymous donor who today contributed the first $10,000 to the fund, and we hope this encourages others to give,” said Montgomery County Commissioners’ Chairwoman Val Arkoosh.

The initiative, which was started in partnership with Montgomery County and the Montgomery County Foundation Inc., will provide funding to local nonprofit organizations, according to a county spokesperson. Donations will help to serve those impacted by the storm through several avenues including housing, food, gasoline, and household items.

“Many of our residents have immediate needs that are being supported by nonprofit agencies on the ground in our communities. This fund was created to support that important work,” said Montgomery County Commissioners’ Vice Chairman Ken Lawrence Jr. “We thank everyone for their support and encourage anyone who can give to contribute.”

Those interested in contributing to the Montco Emergency Disaster Relief Fund can do so online at montcopa.org/ ida, by texting GIVE or DONATE to 610-600-1764 or by mailing a check to The Montgomery County Foundation Inc., 4 Sentry Parkway East, Suite 302, Blue Bell, PA, 19422.

“Anyone who has the ability to give is encouraged to do so to support our most vulnerable residents,” Arkoosh said in a statement. “This fund will deliver vital financial support to help our communities recover from the impacts of Ida.”