Red Oak's Davis starts Iowa2Iowa to help those financially struggling

“The idea is to give support to people that have fallen through the cracks. I’ve heard far too many stories of families being denied assistance, for whatever reason,” explained Red Oak native Tyler Davis on the inception of Iowa2Iowa (i2i).

Several weeks ago, Davis took to social media outlet Facebook seeking financial assistance for several Red Oak families who were having difficulty paying basic monthly bills due to the global pandemic. Through his efforts, with the assistance of fellow Red Oak resident Joey Norris, they were able to provide relief for seven families.

“Joey was the first person I reached out to after we started having success. We share a lot of same ideals, and passion for the area. So, a partnership seemed like an easy decision,” said Davis. “In about two weeks time, we provided relief for seven families.”

Davis said he fully understands and can relate to financial struggles. He explained he grew up poor, raised by a strong, generous, determined mother and grandmother.

“My mother worked her way through college, got a great job and my family was living what seemed like the good life. Then, my mom got sick, and within months our house was foreclosed on. I watched my hero make the right moves, and be rewarded with constant struggle. She watched her hero do the same,” Davis said. “My mother and grandmother were never wealthy, but they always went out of their way to help.”

He continued to say he’s been wanting to start a financial assistance program like i2i for a long time, but didn’t know how.

“After a while, not knowing how just started to feel like an excuse to put it off. I figured if I could tell the story of what these families were going through, and kept eyes on the story, people would help,” Davis said. “I truly believe most people would help their neighbor if they knew their struggles. I hope what we’re doing inspires people to be more open about their struggles.”

The goal, Davis continued, is to make lists of families in need, get them relief, and move on.

“During the initial communications, I simply ask what they’re struggling with. Whatever bill that may be, I ask for a picture of, mostly to show others to help fundraise. The goal is to help pay that bill, while also splitting the donations evenly among the list,” Davis said. “I’d rather trust that people would be genuine, than not help someone that really needs it.”

Davis said he has every intention in making this a wide scale project, with Red Oak the natural test location. He added they’re beginning work on a second list of families in need of assistance.

If interested in donating toward i2i, of if in need of assistance through i2i, contact Davis at tylerjaydavis16@gmail.com.

The Red Oak Express

2012 Commerce Drive
P.O. Box 377
Red Oak, IA 51566
Phone: 712-623-2566 Fax: 712-623-2568

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