GT Independence and Community Foundation Invest $177,500 in COVID Relief Efforts
STURGIS, MI - Since March 18, GT Independence and the Sturgis Area Community Foundation have worked together to invest in local COVID relief efforts. In total, the partnership has returned $177,500 to programs and initiatives serving area residents.
“I am very grateful for the dedicated and caring people who work at our vital non-profit and community-based organizations. It’s hard to overstate just how important their efforts have been and will continue to be for this community. GT Independence is honored to be a part of this collaboration,” says John Carmichael, CEO of GT Independence.
GT Independence contributed $100,000 to efforts, while the Sturgis Area Community Foundation and its affiliates the White Pigeon and Constantine Area Community Foundations contributed $75,000. An additional $2,500 was contributed by individual donors from the community.
“We are so grateful to GT Independence for their leadership throughout this time,” says Lindsay Richardson, Executive Director of Sturgis Area Community Foundation. “With their help and initiative, we were able to deliver aid quickly and respond to a variety of needs ranging from food insecurity to homelessness, as well as provide relief for local families and businesses that were impacted by COVID-19 restrictions.”
Funding for COVID relief programs was invested in the following organizations and initiatives:
$15,000 to St. Joseph County United Way for the Pandemic Food Fund
$15,000 to St. Joseph County Commission on Aging for increased meal service for seniors through Meals on Wheels
$25,000 to St. Joseph County United Way for Emergency Hardship Grants for residents of White Pigeon and Constantine
$10,000 to Keystone Place to provide housing vouchers for the homeless
$10,000 to Sturgis Area Chamber of Commerce in support of the Love Local 2020 initiative for Sturgis businesses
$102,500 for Emergency Hardship Grants for Sturgis residents
GT Independence and Sturgis Area Community Foundation collaborated with multiple partners in their response effort including St. Joseph County United Way, Three Rivers Community Foundation, Keystone Place, St. Joseph County Commission on Aging, Sturgis Area Chamber of Commerce, and several individual donors throughout the community.
“Collaboration, especially in times of crisis, is more important than ever. We deeply appreciate our non-profit partners, donors, and volunteers who have worked to ensure those who live here feel supported and have access to resources they need during these uncertain times,” says Richardson. “This is a time when we can all, hopefully, feel very grateful for our community.”