EAST GREENWICH, R.I. (AP) — A fund that helps members of the military and their families from Rhode Island during times of crisis received a $50,000 donation on Friday, authorities said.
The donation was the result of a fundraising campaign spearheaded by Gov. Daniel McKee last year.
The Rhode Island Military Family Relief Fund assists National Guard, active duty and reserve military members and their families in times of crisis with one-time emergency financial assistance grants.
The grants can be used to help cover rent, mortgages, utility bills, medical services, prescriptions, insurance and vehicle payments and other expenses.
Since 2015, the fund has raised more than $346,700 for 113 families.
“While the brave men and women of our military are serving our state and nation, their families are at home serving too. It is our duty as Rhode Islanders to do all we can to support them,” McKee said in a statement.
The fund was established by former Lt. Gov. Charles Fogarty in 2004.
