Full Breakdown
Chicago Bears Donate $200,000 to Aid Storm-Hit South Suburbs and Northwest Indiana
8/23/2026, 2:22:58 AM
Donation Overview
The Chicago Bears announced a $200,000 charitable contribution to support recovery after recent severe storms that flooded Chicago’s south suburbs and parts of Northwest Indiana. The donation is split evenly, with $100,000 directed to Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago and $100,000 to Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Gary. Both agencies will use the funds to provide food, clothing, housing assistance and other essential resources to families still coping with power outages, displacement and property damage.
Background & Context
A series of destructive storms earlier this month caused widespread wind damage, power loss and flooding across Cook and Lake Counties, as well as in Gary, Hammond and surrounding communities in Indiana. Thousands of residents remain without electricity, and local officials have reported dozens of deaths linked to the weather event. The Bears’ contribution arrives amid ongoing discussions about a proposed stadium in Hammond, Indiana, but the team framed the donation as a separate effort to address immediate humanitarian needs.
Data & Statistics
- Total charitable contribution: $200,000 (two equal $100,000 grants).
- Affected area: Chicago’s south suburbs (Cook County) and Northwest Indiana (Lake County).
- Power outages: more than 33,000 customers in Northwest Indiana still without electricity at the time of reporting.
- Reported storm-related fatalities in Indiana: at least seven deaths.
Official Statements & Responses
The Bears issued a news release stating the donation reflects the organization’s commitment to the communities where its fans live and work. Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago described the funding as “critical” for families whose limited budgets can be tipped into crisis by unexpected expenses. Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Gary highlighted the need to “stabilize” residents and continue long-term recovery efforts. Both charities emphasized that the grant will be distributed directly to households facing immediate hardship.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We deeply value and respect the longstanding philanthropic leadership of the Chicago Bears organization,” — Catholic Charities, executive director
- “We are very grateful for this generous gift from the Bears, which will immediately benefit many people in need who have been impacted by recent storms and provide for ongoing recovery efforts,” — Bishop, of the Diocese of Gary The Most Reverend Robert J
- “As one of our region’s largest human services providers, we are honored to be entrusted with distributing this critical funding.” — Sally Blount, of chicago CEO
- “Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Gary has been responding to local needs from day one. The support from the Bears and many other partners will help elevate efforts to reach the most vulnerable in our communities,” — Reverend Robert J. McClory, bishop of the Diocese of Gary
What's Next
Families seeking assistance can contact Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago at 312-655-7700 or visit their website, and residents of Northwest Indiana can reach Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Gary at 219-886-3549 (option 2) or email Outreach@catholic-charities.org. The organizations will continue to allocate the Bears’ contribution as needs evolve throughout the recovery period.
