May 23, 2023, Shawnee, OK – The United Way of Pottawatomie County’s Shawnee Recovery Fund has received a $100,000 donation from the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, all of which will fund unmet needs of the community affected by the April 19, 2023 Shawnee Tornado.

“It is incumbent on all of us to help. The contribution we made from the Citizen Potawatomi Nation to United Way is only one of the several contributions we have made and will make in the future,” said Rocky Barrett, chairman of Citizen Potawatomi Nation. “There simply is no question of the need for restoration and no doubt that now is an opportunity to enhance our community’s future.  Let’s build our hometown back better than it was before the storm.”

The April 19 F2 tornado affected over 1,800 homes of residents in the Shawnee area.  Residents, especially those lacking insurance or who are under-insured, have a long road of recovery to get their homes back to a safe and secure pre-tornado condition.

“United Way of Pottawatomie County is honored to receive this major gift from the Citizen Potawatomi Nation to assist residents in recovery from the tornado. With so many in our community reeling from the effects of this disaster, recovery will not come overnight,” said Sandy Vanderburg, executive director of UWPC. “This gift is a testament to the hard work of our people and partners, demonstrated impact, and deep commitment to rebuild today and restore hope for tomorrow.”

Donors can give online at unitedwaypottco.org/shawnee-recovery or mail a check with “Shawnee Recovery Fund” in the memo, to UWPC, P.O. Box 697, Shawnee, OK 74802.

Additional Information: 

United Way of Pottawatomie County is a local and independently operated 501c3 serving Pottawatomie, Seminole and Lincoln County and serves 21 partner agencies.

The United Way of Pottawatomie County local mission is to strengthen communities by mobilizing resources to collaborate for the common good.