The Northwoods United Way has established a COVID-19 Community Response Fund designed to help Northwoods residents finding themselves in financial need.
Executive Director Nancy Sattler says the goal is to gather and distribute funds to those most in need...
"We have food pantries in the past that may have served people for their basic needs. But those families now are home and will be in need of more supplies than they have in the past. They may have been receiving supplies through the school district or other sources now all those families are at home trying to meet the needs of their families..."
She says they're setting up one central fund where the public can contribute . Sattler says the Northwoods United Way board has experience in directing funds on a yearly basis....
"We're going to be looking for information from our community human service departments, health departments and the agencies in the area to determine what the unmet needs are as we go to distribute them. Our goal is to insure that we get funds from community members into the hands of the agencies serving those needs very quickly..."
Checks should be made out to Northwoods United Way, and indicate COVID-19 fund in the comments. In addition, you may bring a check to Nicolet National Bank locations in Rhinelander, Eagle River and Minocqua.
A separate fund has been set up at the banks and all funds will be used to assist local agencies in our areas. Donations can also be made using a credit card to donate through the Northwoods United Way website. (www.northwoodsunitedway.org) Indicate on the donation that funds are for the COVID-19 effort.
The Northwoods United Way serves Oneida, Vilas and Forest counties.
