The Perry County Community Foundation (PCCF) has announced the establishment of a Family Relief Fund to assist with tornado relief efforts. The fund was originally established when an EF4 tornado devastated portions of Perry County in 2017, and at that time, more than $90,000 was distributed to families in need.
This fund has now been reactivated, and PCCF will be partnering with the East Missouri Action Agency (EMAA) to distribute funds to the agency as needed to address the needs of Perry County residents affected by the March 14, 2025, EF2 tornado. Those who require assistance should contact EMAA at (573) 547-2014 or visit EMAA at 25 S. Jackson St., Perryville, MO 63775 to apply.
“At this time, the Family Relief Fund contains only those funds remaining after distributions made to address the 2017 tornado,” said Natalie T. Lorenz, PCCF chairperson. “With an estimated 160 households affected by the March 14, 2025, tornado, and 40 of those potentially being total losses, additional donations from the community will be necessary to make the desired impact. Donors may donate to the fund online by scanning the QR code provided, or by writing a check to “Perry County Community Foundation” with “Family Relief Fund” in the memo and dropping the check off at City Hall or at the County Clerk’s office.
According to Lorenz, EMAA is trying to set up a “base” at Perry Park Center to field applications for tornado relief assistance. If they are able to set up that base, they will use a different phone number and ask that applicants visit them at the Park Center instead.
"PCCF has also enabled an innovative tool to assist those in our community with specific needs — the Purposity app,” she said. “Once again, PCCF has partnered with community nonprofits to make using this tool a reality for Perry County. For this particular relief effort, PCCF recommends that individuals contact the Society of St. Vincent De Paul (SSVDP) at 573-547-1797 or visit their thrift store at 123 W. North Street for assistance.
“SSVDP will help individuals needing specific items — for example, size 6 boys’ shoes — by posting those items on the Purposity app. Then, donors with the app can simply search for needs in our area, click on a need, and donate the necessary funds to satisfy it. SSVDP will then ensure that the items reach the individuals who requested them. Those who wish to donate items using the Purposity app. iPhone users may download the app on the Apple Store, and Android users can download it from Softonic.
Lorenze said the PCCF thanks Robinson Construction for its generosity in donating the funds necessary to enable the Purposity app to help community members in need.
