When the University of Iowa Community Credit Union heard that The Crisis Center needed to raise about $90,000 in order to fund a new warehouse edition for the food bank, they didn’t hesitate to help. UICCU offered to match all community donations up to $45,000.
Since then, the project has received almost $42,000 in donations, which UICCU will double. The Crisis Center hopes to raise the full $45,000 from community donations by #GivingTuesday, the giving holiday following Thanksgiving and Black Friday, on Nov. 28, 2017.
Jean Knepper, UICCU VP/Director of Community Relations, said UICCU become interested in working with The Crisis Center because of its mission to give back to the community it serves: the people of Johnson County.
“We decided that a match was the best way to go because it would draw attention to the needs of The Crisis Center food bank and allow us the opportunity to offer some much-needed support at the same time,” Knepper said.
The food bank’s warehouse was first remodeled in 2003, when The Crisis Center served about 350 families per week. Now, in 2017, more than 1,000 Johnson County families visit The Crisis Center each week. Meanwhile, the warehouse has not kept pace. Due to limited space, the food bank is unable to accept large food donations when the warehouse is full, even though the donations are needed.
The Grow Your Local Food Bank project will add much-needed space and help The Crisis Center meet compliance requirements for their growing number of clients. Some features of the expansion include:
- More space to accept large donations staff previously had to turn away
- Cold storage to distribute fresh, healthy foods to clients
- Expanded food repackaging room with additional sinks and counter space
- 24-hour donation drop-off site for food and financial donations
- An additional client bathroom to meet compliance requirements
“We’re thrilled that Grow Your Local Food Bank will enable The Crisis Center of Johnson County residents in need even better,” Knepper said. “We believe this project is for the greater good.”
To donate and contribute to the cause click here.
