How You Can Help

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To Friends of the National Czech & Slovak Museum

 Across the World

 

The National Czech & Slovak Museum was dealt a devastating blow on June 13, 2008 but we're recovering in phases. 

First, we extend our deep gratitude to the long-time supporters and new friends who have given so generously over the last few months.  In preparation for the flood, you stacked sandbags, whisked precious artifacts to safety and boxed up and carted away thousands of rare library books.  Many of you kept working with us until the water began to surround the building and we were ordered to evacuate.   

Immediately after the flood, many of you braved the muck and stench of the aftermath.  With gloves, boots and earnest smiles, you helped us move truck load after truck load of untouched artifacts, painstakingly remove mud from books, and retrieve soaked but salvageable items to a reclamation facility.  

Financial contributions have been overwhelming, demonstrating the truly national reach of our organization -- we have received donations from over 44 states and two countries.

Your support has made a critical difference as we continue basic operations, retain staff, prepare for the opening of our interim location and plan for the future. (learn more about our interim location here)

We can’t possibly thank you enough, but we still have a long way to go.  Please consider helping in one or more ways: 

    1. Give to the National Czech & Slovak Museum Flood Relief Fund: 

TheUnprecedented flooding affecting so many others has done overwhelming damage to our museum, displaced staff, and severely impacted our revenue streams.  Flood insurance on the collection won't go far enough. The loss is approaching $9 million.  We have made remarkable progress since this disaster, but full recovery will take tremendous resources and time.

     Of one thing we are sure -- we will rebuild and will be even better than ever. Czechs and Slovaks are strong from having survived many trials in their history and we are counting on this resilience.

     Gifts may be made online (click on the 'donate now' link below), at any Wells Fargo Bank location in the U.S. or by mailing a check to: National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, 30 Sixteenth Avenue SW, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52404.    

The National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library is a 501c (3) nonprofit organization as determined by the United States Internal Revenue Service.  Thank you considering a gift to this organization whose mission is to be the foremost museum and library in the United States preserving and interpreting Czech and Slovak history and culture. Gifts to the NCSML are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law and/or IRS code, as no goods or services are provided in consideration of a gift.

DonateNow

 

 2.  Help us replace lost items:

Donating family heirlooms and books: Many people have been eager to donate family heirlooms and books to help us replace items lost in the flood.  This outpouring of good will is truly appreciated.  We encourage you to contact us if you have items that may replace those that were damaged or lost, though we ask that you refrain from sending items to us until we are able to accept them.
 
Please contact Stefanie Kohn, Curator  at 319-362-8500 (ext. 9, then 1) about donating family heirlooms or artifacts.  Please contact Dave Muhlena, Library Director at 319-362-8500 (ext. 5) about books. 
 
Donating office equipment and supplies:  The flood destroyed thousands of dollars in office equipment and supplies. 
 
The NCSML would be very grateful for: 
  • Laser printers, in working condition and compatible with Microsoft Windows XP Professional
  • Unused gift cards (from hardware stores, groceries, electronic stores, etc)
  • Computers, monitors, keyboards, etc. (minimum requirements: Intel Pentium M Processor, 1.40GHz, 623 GB of RAM)
  • Cases of white and color copy paper

If you wish do donate office equipment or supplies, please call 319-362-8500 (ext. 5512).

 3.  Contribute your time: 

Call 319-362-8500 (ext. 5532) or email phikiji@ncsml.org to find out about the many opportunities to volunteer with NCSML.

      Unprecedented disaster requires unprecedented support—thank you!

Sincerely,

The Board and Staff of the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library 

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