MUSCATINE, Iowa — As area residents continue cleanup and repair efforts from June’s devastating floods, officials from the Muscatine/Louisa Recovery Committee report that the Disaster Recovery Fund has received a boost from two local corporations.

This summer, the Disaster Recovery Fund received a $25,000 donation from Musco Lighting and $50,000 from the HNI Charitable Foundation.

In addition, the people who work at HNI’s companies raised  $6,500, which the HNI Charitable Corp. matched, bringing that total to $13,000.

The United Way of Muscatine began the Disaster Recovery Fund in June 2007 after the June 1 tornado in order to give local corporations, faith organizations and individuals an opportunity to donate to long-term recovery efforts in Muscatine and Louisa counties.

The fund fuels recovery efforts coordinated by the Muscatine/Louisa Recovery Committee, which includes emergency responders, social service providers, faith organizations and the United Way of Muscatine.

Sharon Gibson-Ellis, chief professional officer for the United Way, said the committee is an interdisciplinary team that combines resources to provide comprehensive recovery plans to families and individuals.

“We aren’t just deciding whether or not someone needs a new refrigerator,” said Gibson-Ellis. “We look at the realm of services and needs our community can provide in each case.”

Gibson-Ellis said the committee was able to take the $25,000 donated to the Louisa Muscatine Disaster Recovery Fund after the tornado and provide $100,000 worth of recovery to area residents. That was made possible by combining the funds with donations of goods and services from area businesses and volunteer help.

Brett Nelson, general manager of Musco, said Musco employees raised $12,500 for the local Red Cross which was matched by their company for a total of $25,000.

Nelson said people at his company and HNI Corp. want those contributions to inspire other businesses and individuals.

“We want more people to be aware of this fund,” said Gary Carlson, vice president of member and community relations for the HNI Corp. “The Salvation Army and Red Cross provide tremendous service as first responders and we certainly support those agencies, but after they finish, there is still work to be done.”

Gibson-Ellis said the fund will remain open after flood recovery has ended, in anticipation of other disasters; but the money that is in the fund now will be used for people who need assistance with flood recovery.

Gibson-Ellis said just under 1,000 area residents have applied to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for assistance with flood relief, and so far, approximately 150 have received maximum grants from the agency. Others have received grants, but not the maximum allowed.

The maximum grants are approximately $28,800, said Gibson-Ellis, which would not even cover the cost of a new home.

“Even those people may need more assistance,” said Gibson-Ellis.

Based on national data, Gibson-Ellis expects between 200-500 individuals and families will need assistance outside of what is provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Businesses can contribute to the committee’s flood recovery efforts by donating services such as hotel rooms, food and other goods and services.

“Everybody can be instrumental in this process,” said Gibson-Ellis.

Reporter contact information

Cynthia Beaudette 563-262-0527

cynthia.beaudette@muscatine