SALISBURY — The COVID-19 Relief Fund got a big boost this week after receiving a $10,000 grant from the Truist Foundation.

The Rowan County United Way received a portion of a $3 million grant given to United Way Worldwide’s COVID-19 Relief and Response Fund by the Truist Foundation, which represents what was formerly SunTrust and BB&T.

The $10,000 will specifically be designated to help with N.C. 211’s support, food, shelter, rental and utility payment assistance and health and medical access.

“We are truly grateful to be a recipient of the the Truist Foundation’s grant,” said Rowan County United Way Executive Director Jenny Lee. “These funds will make a large impact for our neighbors in need during these unsettling times.”

The Rowan County COVID-19 Relief Fund, a partnership between the United Way and Salisbury Post, raised a total of $17,665 during its first week. Since Thursday, a total of 17 donors gave $13,580 to the fund.

Money raised will help people with basic needs stemming from the effects of the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, which claimed its first life in Rowan County this week. The Rowan County United Way will direct funds donated to nonprofits and agencies that give much-needed support to local individuals and families dealing with the effects of the coronavirus. Those nonprofits will determine methods of distributions.

Anyone interested in making a donation to the relief fund can donate now 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.

Donations of any amount are encouraged.

Donations since the last update on Thursday are as follows:

• Anonymous, $150

• Jim and Barbara Norman, $100

• Dan and Winnie Mikkelson, $100

• Denny and Karen Wenker, $500

• Mid Carolina Electrical, $1,000

• Ann Powlas, $150

• John and Gale Hellard, $100

• Joe and Janice Robbins, $100

• Greg Alcorn, $500

• Luis Sosa, $25

• Beverly Frost, $100

• Willard and Trudy Thompson, $150

• Ivan Jimenez, $355

• Steve and Sheila Lee, $50