COVID-19 Relief Fund tops $216,500 raised

Published 12:00 am Sunday, June 7, 2020

SALISBURY — The Rowan County United Way received several donations last week of $100 or more en route to raising more than $1,000 in additional funds for its COVID-19 Relief Fund.

The fund has now generated $216,538.03, and awarded $68,184 in grants to local 501(c)(3)s who intend to use funding to help locals with food insecurity, medical expenses and housing needs. The United Way, which is covering all costs associated with overseeing the relief fund, has also said money can be used to help nonprofits with disruptions to business.

“The community’s steadfast support has enabled us to provide access to food and medications as well as assisting those in need to keep their homes and utilities current through our relief fund,” said Executive Director Jenny Lee. “We encourage folks that can give to continue supporting our efforts as grants are provided on a rolling basis. We remain dedicated to monitoring the needs of surrounding organizations impacted by COVID-19.”

The latest donations are as follows:

• William Hamaty, $400
• Dorothy Loflin, $100
• Edward & Susan Norvell, $200
• Hoff’s Grill, $308.83

Hoff’s Grill has been selling masks the United Way received as part of an anonymous donation, with proceeds going to the relief fund.

Anyone interested in making a donation can do so at rowanunitedway.org, text the word “RELIEF” to 704-286-1011 or mail a contribution to the United Way at 131 West Innes St., Suite 201, Salisbury, N.C. 28144. Those mailing donations should address them to the attention of the COVID-19 Relief Fund. Those making a donation online should include a note in the comment section saying it’s for the COVID-19 Relief Fund.

Nonprofits can obtain more information about applying by visiting rowanunitedway.org or calling the office at 704-633-1802.

As of Friday, there were six applications waiting for a funding decision by the United Way, Lee said. The relief fund has awarded grants to nine organizations, all of which are eligible to reapply.