Dalton, GA - 2018 was record-setting both for grants and donations at the Floor Covering Industry Foundation (FCIF), according to Andrea Blackbourn, executive director.
“Over 100 families applied for assistance in 2018 compared to 63 the prior year. In addition, we had a very successful donation drive, the Helping My Fellow Man campaign, chaired by Larry Nagle. We are getting very close to our goal to raise an additional $150,000 to meet the increase need we are seeing for families battling catastrophic medical obstacles.”
Behind every grant is a story of crisis and perseverance, of a floor covering employee struggling through a difficult time. Frank and Nancy Majors, who are recent FCIF grant recipients and volunteered to share her story.
“Our life is blessed thanks to the Floor Covering Industry Foundation,” shared Nancy, a resident of Menlo, Georgia.
Nancy and Frank Majors have been married for 50 years, and together they have raised three sons. Frank has always had a strong work ethic, and he was employed at Mohawk Industries as a machine operator and mechanic for over 33 years. He is now retired and was recently diagnosed with end-stage Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), which is a disease of the lungs. He has been on hospice care since April 2017 and must use an oxygen tank 24/7.
Soon after Frank's diagnosis, Nancy found out she has squamous cell cancer, which is a type of skin cancer. With both out of work and increasing medical bills, they were plunged into financial despair.
Nancy shared, “We do without simple pleasures and luxuries just to be able to handle the bills. We do the best we can.” Unfortunately, it proved to be more than their limited income. The grant provided by the Floor Covering Industry Foundation helped them afford basic living expenses, health insurance premiums, and hospice care each month. “The Foundation has taken away a lot of our worries,” Nancy noted, “We are grateful.”
About FCIF: The Floor Covering Industry Foundation is dedicated to financially assisting those who are or have been employed in the floor covering industry who experience catastrophic illnesses, severe disabilities, or other life-altering medical conditions. Grants are awarded based on need for expenses such as medical care, medications, medical supplies, and other necessities as food, shelter, and utilities. Learn more or donate to the Floor Covering Industry Foundation at fcif.org or call 706.217.1183.
Floor Trends Magazine, January 2019