The people of Henry County, Indiana, will never forget August 12. Storm after storm rolled in, leading to devastating flooding that washed out roads and displaced families.
It was dark.
Thankfully, the storms stopped and the sun eventually broke through. With the rays of light came rays of hope, in the form of donors who wanted to make a difference.
Donors gave generously to the Henry County Community Foundation flood relief fund, and those gifts made an immediate impact. That support continues through long-term relief efforts in partnership with other organizations.
“Henry County is a community filled with people who truly care. And that care continues even after people move away,” noted Jennifer Fox, President and Executive Director. “Numerous individuals who no longer live in Henry County contacted us to ask how they could help flood survivors.”
Through the Henry County Trustees, The Salvation Army, and other local organizations, those impacted by the flooding received necessities like water, food, clothing, cleaning supplies, and hygiene items. God’s Grain Bin, an established community food pantry, stepped up to assist with food and nonfood donations. They worked alongside the Henry County Community Foundation to process donated items from CVS and other companies.
The team from God’s Grain Bin often had to travel to pick up donations, which led to an increase in fuel costs. They spent their monthly fuel budget within days of the floodwaters receding, and also needed repairs to the truck used to pick up donations. Through the generosity of donors, the Henry County Community Foundation provided funds to keep the wheels turning for God’s Grain Bin.
“It helped immensely,” expressed Owen Wyant of God’s Grain Bin. “We were ‘the food people’ and connected people with the food and the items they needed to clean up.”
Wyant explained that God’s Grain Bin distributed donated food and other items through the Henry County Trustee’s office, Salvation Army, The Guest House, Christian Love Help Center, and other area food pantries.
Both Jennifer Fox of the Henry County Community Foundation and Owen Wyant of God’s Grain Bin emphasize that recovery efforts are still underway.
“When the floods first hit, the immediate concerns were rescue, temporary housing, food, and clothing,” Fox noted. “As the recovery period continues, coordinated efforts prevent duplicating activities and ensure limited resources are used efficiently.”
The Henry County Community Foundation, in collaboration with the Heart of Indiana United Way and Henry County Emergency Management, is forming a long-term recovery committee. Volunteers will receive training to support ongoing recovery efforts. To volunteer for this committee, visit https://heartofindiana.org/volunteer/.
“The generosity of our donors remains a steady beacon throughout these long-term recovery efforts,” Fox concluded. “Because of these donations, Henry County will emerge from this trial brighter, stronger, and more resilient.”
The Henry County Community Foundation continues to accept donations for flood recovery efforts. Click here to make a donation