Phoenix – The Arizona Community Foundation has created a charitable fund to support relief services for residents of Navajo, Apache and Coconino counties in the wake of recent storms that have left the area deluged in snow and mud and cut off from vital services. Donors may make a tax-deductible contribution to the new Navajo-Hopi Storm Relief Fund online at www.azfoundation.org.

ACF will distribute the funds through its northern regional office and its affiliate, The Hopi Foundation, to bring much-needed relief services to the storm-ravaged area. In addition to giving online, donors may make a credit card contribution by calling (602) 381-1400, and checks can be mailed to the Arizona Community Foundation, 2201 E. Camelback Road, Suite 202, Phoenix, AZ 85016 (please note “Navajo-Hopi Storm Relief Fund” on the check’s memo line.) ACF will provide donors with a receipt for tax purposes.

Late last week, the federal government placed Apache, Coconino and Navajo counties under a state of emergency, and many organizations and agencies are working to bring needed assistance. Still, road and helicopter travel continues to be difficult, leaving many individuals, families and vulnerable populations cut off from much-needed supplies and services.

Funds collected will be distributed immediately to support relief services and the provision of food, water, blankets and heating supplies to areas that have been hit hardest by the recent winter storms.

With four regional offices serving communities across Arizona, the Arizona Community Foundation is uniquely positioned to respond to emergencies outside the metropolitan area. Local staff and volunteers have in-depth knowledge of community needs, work in close partnership with local nonprofit service providers and can quickly mobilize resources to help where help is needed most.

The Arizona Community Foundation is a statewide nonprofit organization with four regional offices serving communities across Arizona. Established in 1978 and certified under the National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations, ACF is among the top 30 community foundations in the nation with $450 million in trust and endowment assets. Last year, ACF and its affiliates awarded more than $33 million in grants and scholarship funding to some 3,500 nonprofit organizations, schools and government agencies. More information is available at www.azfoundation.org.