State auditor Rob Sand is extending a helping hand to recently unemployed Iowans.

Sand announced on social media in late March that in an effort to support the unemployed and restaurants that are struggling to keep their doors open during the pandemic, he would donate a month of his salary to a coronavirus aid fund he has created.

On Monday, he expanded the program to include the self-employed and essential workers, specifically health care workers and grocery employees.

The fund started out by giving $20 to anyone who has been laid off due to the pandemic and patronizes one of their local restaurants as long as donations last. On April 3, the fund had received enough donations to increase the amount given to $40.

In order to qualify, Sand said Iowans must have applied for unemployment and email HelpIowansHelpIowans@gmail.com a copy of their confirmation email as well as a copy of a receipt from a restaurant. People should also include the Venmo or PayPal account where they want the money to be sent.

People who are self-employed must also include a copy of their receipt and Venmo or PayPal, as well as a business card or employer identification number. Essential workers must include proof of employment, such as work identification, nametag or pay stub.

People can email the account for assistance up to three times.

The project has purchased more than 250 meals to those in need and has about $9,500 and growing to continue donations. People can Venmo @IowaHi or PayPal money to HelpIowansHelpIowans@gmail.com to contribute.

Sand said this is a personal project and is not affiliated with his position as state auditor.

"I’ve always enjoyed and felt it was important to be civically involved beyond your own job, and obviously we’re doing a lot in the official office, but I'm interested in doing more," he said. "If we could give money to unemployed people to shop at the restaurants that have lost customers, then we’re helping two people at once."

Sarah LeBlanc covers trending news for the Register. Reach her at 515-284-8161 or sleblanc@registermedia.com.

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