Connect 55 in Indianola and the Calamar Foundation presented a donation check to the American Heart Association – Greater Des Moines Chapter for $28,425.66 Wednesday, with money collected from residents and matched by the Calamar Foundation. Christina Jones with Connect 55 tells KNIA News over the course of the last several years in partnership with the Calamar Foundation, residents have been able to donate money for three pillars, the American Heart Association, the Alzheimer’s Association, and American Cancer Association. Jones said the partnership with the local organizations allows for their residents to learn more about staying healthy.

“We definitely have some residents this hits home to. There are a few in particular that stick out for Alzheimer’s and the heart, and all parts of it. I just love seeing the partnerships and being able to educate everyone on living a healthier, longer life.”

President of the Calamar Foundation Gay Molnar tells KNIA News the Calamar Foundation matches donations from organizations such as Connect 55, and works to raise awareness for a cause that affects nearly everyone, and each time she gets to highlight the hard work and donations from community members is a blessing.

“To see where it goes, to see how it works and how it supports, and how people’s faces are when they have a smile and say thank you, that to me says it in no uncertain terms. When I think about who we have helped, and even some of our employees who unfortunately aren’t with us anymore, it’s because of them also.”

Executive Director of the American Heart Association – Greater Des Moines Angela Hilbert tells KNIA News donations from the community are what fuels their work, part of which will be an educational campaign to raise awareness about both care now and preventative care for the future.

“The education that comes from this is making us all aware of the things that we can do to impact our heart health. Making those healthy choices, making sure we are getting enough sleep, making sure we are getting the food that is the best for us most of the time. And also the other piece that is so important, is making sure you know your numbers. Knowing what your blood pressure numbers are, know your risk factors. There are a lot of things we can do to impact our heart health by making sure we are aware of it and getting care before it is too late.”

For more information, tune in today’s Let’s Talk Indianola.