DES MOINES, IA (June 6, 2019) — State Treasurer Michael L Fitzgerald was pleased to present a check for several thousand dollars from the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt to the Central Iowa Region American Red Cross on Thursday. "The Great Iowa Treasure Hunt is proud to reunite the American Red Cross $12,300 in lost funds," Fitzgerald said. "This past winter and spring, we have seen one disaster after another across Iowa. The American Red Cross has been there to help Iowans along the way. I encourage everyone to search our list at GreatIowaTreasureHunt.gov for organizations in their community."
The American Red Cross relies on volunteers and the generosity of donors. On behalf of the American Red Cross, Regional Chief Development Officer, Neal Bohnet, and Regional Communications Officer, Caslon Hatch, were present to receive the check.
"The Red Cross, through its strong network of volunteers, donors, and partners, is always there in time of need," Bohnet said. "From a donor's standpoint, we make sure their generous gift goes towards the Red Cross mission. We thank the treasurer's office for the opportunity to collect those lost donations, so those dollars can go back to the people we serve during a disaster."
Over $377 million is waiting to be claimed in the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt, over $61 million in Polk County alone. The program has returned over $263 million in unclaimed property to more than 592,000 people since Fitzgerald created it in 1983. "Unclaimed property is not just for individuals. I encourage people to search for organizations in their community such as their local churches, schools, and businesses," Fitzgerald added.
Unclaimed-property refers to money and other assets held by financial institutions or companies that have lost contact with the property's owner for a specific period of time. State law requires these institutions and companies to annually report unclaimed-property to the state treasurer's office. The assets are then held until the owner or heir of the property is found. Common forms of unclaimed-property include savings or checking accounts, stocks, uncashed checks, life-insurance policies, utility security-deposits, and safe deposit-box contents.
Visit the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt at GreatIowaTreasureHunt.gov to begin your search. Keep up with all of the treasurer's office programs on social media (@IowaTreasurer on Facebook and Twitter).
