For more than three decades, the Des Moines Register has encouraged readers to donate to the annual Embrace Iowa charitable program and support its deserving recipients who receive a much-needed lift from their economic woes.
The 2023-’24 drive ended in January and raised $381,256 from 868 generous donors, an increase from the previous year’s tally of $343,178.
Individual awards are valued up to $750 and the funds are frequently used by applicants to pay off unexpected debts, including medical assistance charges, rent, and utility bills.
Katherine Riley Harrington, the executive director of the Iowa Community Action Association that administers the program, said she is grateful for the financial relief the donations will provide. “We are delighted with that result,” she shared, “and we’re so happy to continue this partnership with the Des Moines Register.”
Jada Bahls-Kargalskiy, one of last year’s recipients, described the funding as “more of a ‘hand up,’ than a ‘hand out’” and praised the ease of applying for aid.