The collapse of the I-35W bridge spanning the Mississippi River brought a shocking reminder of the fragility of life and how an ordinary, daily event can turn into tragedy and heartbreak. This disaster, however, also illuminates the generous human impulse to want to help those who have suffered loss. The Minnesota Helps -Bridge Disaster Fund has been created in response to that outpouring of community concern.
ABOUT THE FUND
The Minnesota Helps Fund: Bridge Disaster Fund is a collaboration of local funders to facilitate local contributions to disaster relief efforts. The purpose of the fund is to collect contributions and distribute them effectively to help the victims, rescuers, and families affected by the bridge collapse.
Contributions to the fund will be pooled and distributed to where they are most needed -- immediately and in the coming months. Grants will be distributed to organizations assisting those affected by the bridge collapse. Needs addressed by the fund might include costs of medical treatment, mental health counseling, recovery, and cleanup activities.
The Minnesota Helps Fund - Bridge Disaster Fund is a collaboration of a metro area philanthropic institutions, including The Minneapolis Foundation, Minnesota Community Foundation and The Saint Paul Foundation, the Greater Twin Cities United Way, to facilitate contributions to disaster relief efforts. The Northwest Area Foundation, the Grotto Foundation and McKnight Foundation have also pledged support.
To Contribute
No administrative fees will be collected by the foundations for this service -- 100% of all donations will be redistributed to provide financial support where it is most urgently needed. Donations to this fund are 100% tax deductible. We cannot accept in-kind donations
Contribute securely on-line with a credit card.
OR Contribute by mail by sending a check to:
Minnesota Helps - Bridge Disaster FundThe Minneapolis Foundation800 IDS Center, 80 South Eighth StreetMinneapolis, MN 55402
Additional Resources
To register yourself as safe or to search for information on a loved one, visit www.safeandwell.org or call (612) 871-7676.
Family Assistance CenterHoliday Inn Metrodome, 1500 Washington Avenue, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55454
To get help or offer help, contact the United Way 2-1-1™ information and response helpline at 2-1-1 or (651) 291-0211.
Blood DonationsThe Twin Cities Area Red Cross has asked blood donors to make appointments by visiting their website or calling 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (Note: This is an 8-digit phone number.)
For More Information
For additional information about the fund, please contact info@minnesotahelps.org or:
The Minneapolis Foundation(612) 672-3878
The Saint Paul Foundation & Minnesota Community Foundation(651) 224-0571
Thank you for your support.
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