Employee Relief Fund
Your Dollars Making an Impact
Not many had heard of the word "derecho" before Monday, August 10. Little did our community know the impact it would have on so many.
Thanks to your donations to Mercy’s Employee Relief Fund, you have helped many employees affected by the storm’s devastation.
One employee donates to this fund every year to support their coworkers, and this year never thought they would need the support. They wrote, “I will never forget this kindness!”
Now more than ever, Mercy’s mission, “to care for the sick and enhance the health of the communities we serve,” is even more meaningful. As we diligently prepare to tackle this unprecedented international crisis, one of our top priorities is the safety and health of our workers who will be caring for those affected by the COVID-19 virus.
In assessing their needs, we became aware that employees are experiencing their own financial struggles. NOW IS THE TIME TO SUPPORT THEM. To help provide relief and alleviate their stress, an EMPLOYEE RELIEF FUND has been created to provide support during this crucial period. Donations will be used for food, housing, childcare, transportation, etc.
Any size gift will make a huge impact. Please make a gift online or send a check to: Mercy Foundation, Attn: Employee Relief Fund, 701 10th Street SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403. Thank you for supporting our staff.
Recipient Testimonials
"I received your voicemail and you have no idea how much this means and at some point in time I would love to return the favor! I know you don’t want to be paid back, but maybe in some other community service! I’m going to hit a couple food banks in the area if they are still open! But this is a great thing you did! God bless you and keep safe."
- "Just wanted to reach out to let you know how grateful I am for the help you have given me, and my family!! I seriously can’t thank you enough!! This has alleviated so much stress and worry off our shoulders!! Thank you again x 1,000!!"
- "No words can express the gratitude I'm feeling right now. Thank you so much for the monetary gift it will benefit my family in so many ways. Again THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!!!"
- "I just wanted to reach out to you and thank you and thank you on behalf of my husband and I for helping us in this time of need. The help of the foundation is more than we could ever imagine and we are very very blessed to have you guys assist us with paying our car registrations. I have always been a proud employee of Mercy, but knowing that you guys stand behind your employees and are willing you assist in times of need makes it that much more meaningful to be a Mercy employee. Again, thank you so very much from the bottom of our hearts for helping us out."
- "I wanted to say Thank You to you and the Employee Relief Fund. Them covering my daycare for the month of April was huge. I didn’t know how I would of made it thru the month without your generosity. I’m forever grateful for have a job that I enjoy going to everyday but to have a foundation that helps with your in a pinch is huge & a total blessing. Since school was cancelled paying for daycare is more than my house payment, now to make it thru May; deep breath! I’m truly thankful for my health, the roof over my head & my beautiful children. I’m forever & proud to be a Mercy Employee!"
Expanded Tax Deductions for Charitable Giving
Like all non-profits, the Mercy Foundation relies on charitable giving. So, we're happy to report that the CARES Act includes the following new guidelines:
- Charitable tax deduction of up to $300, even if you don't itemize
- Eliminated cap on charitable deductions for cash contributions by people who itemize
- Increased corporations’ limitation on deductions for charitable contributions from 10% to 25% of taxable income
- Increased limitation on deductions for qualifying food contributions from 15% to 25%