2 Siouxland schools receive part of nearly $500K donation for flood recovery

Editor’s note: This story’s headline has been corrected.

DES MOINES, Iowa (KCAU) — Two Siouxland schools are among four to receive part of nearly half a million dollars donation.

The Wellmark Foundation said in a release that it is donating the money to “restore the learning environments for students and teachers’ of Rock Valley, Spencer, Greenfield, and Minden for the 2024-2025 school year.

The Wellmark Foundation, a nonprofit created by Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield, said it wants to help Iowa school districts recover from unprecedented flooding and violent tornadoes.

The Wellmark Foundation said it worked with Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, the Iowa Department of Education to determine the school districts most in need.

“I want to thank the Wellmark Foundation for generously contributing to schools in disaster-impacted communities and for supporting the state’s recovery effort in such a meaningful way,” Reynolds said. “These donations have given students, teachers, and entire communities even more to look forward to with the start of a new school year.”

Laura Jackson, executive vice president of Health Equity, Access, and Improvement and Chair of the Wellmark Foundation Board of Directors said it’s important to recognize when young people struggle with unmet basic needs, emotional distress, or inadequate access to learning. She said it can significantly impact their ability to lead long, healthy lives.

According to a press release, the Wellmark Foundation focuses on improving the health and well-being of young people in Iowa and South Dakota and has donated nearly half a million to help cover the financial gap after insurance and federal and state funding.

“The Wellmark Foundation is dedicated to collaborating with partners and communities in Iowa and South Dakota to find effective solutions that improve the mental health and educational opportunities for our youth. We are in awe of the resilience of these communities and are proud to stand by the students, teachers, and administrators as they work toward a stronger future,” Jackson said.

The press release stated that the Wellmark Foundation matched all employee donations made for three weeks in July and August throughout Iowa and South Dakota. Employees also created cards for teachers in the four impacted districts, sending messages of encouragement and appreciation as they prepare for the new school year.

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