CASPER, Wyo. — The United Way of Natrona County said on Thursday, March 26 that they have set up a “COVID-19 Community Relief Fund.”
The intention of the fund is to support “those most vulnerable in Natrona County during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The Natrona County COVID-19 Community Relief Fund, managed by UWNC, is specifically intended to provide emergency assistance to individuals and families in need as a direct result of COVID-19 or loss of resources as a result of COVID-19 related closures,” UWNC says. “Support will include the most immediate needs, such as: food and food supplies, personal products (diapers, hand soap, toilet paper, etc.), prescription and medical supplies, as well as mortgage, rent and utility payments.”
Jonah Bank donated $10,000 to support the effort, the first donation received by the UWNC. The UWNC matched that donation with an additional $10,000 toward the fund.
“Jonah Bank is honored to partner with UWNC in this effort,” Jonah Bank President Kim DeVore said in Thursday’s announcement. “We are sure this community will jump in with us to help those affected the most by this pandemic. Let’s show the world what Natrona County can do when we come together.”
Others in the community are asked to consider contributing to the fund. The UWNC says all funds will do directly to families and individuals in need.
There are multiple ways people can contribute, according to the UWNC:
-Donate online at unitedwaync.com (see “Natrona County COVID-19 Community Relief Fund” directly on the homepage).
-Find us on Facebook (United Way of Natrona County) and click “Donate” on related posts.
-Drop off donations through the Jonah Bank drive-through window (777 W. 1st St. or 3730 E. 2nd St. in Casper).
-Mail in checks (less encouraged due to social distancing, but still an option. P.O. Box 2046, Casper, WY 82601). UWNC
The UWNC and an advisory committee of community leaders will determine how the funds are distributed, which will begin in about two weeks.
“To ensure that dollars are distributed in the most timely and efficient manner, UWNC will work with and through nonprofit and community partners making use of their knowledge and proven methods of distribution,” the release adds.
Those interested in contributing can also schedule meetings with the UWNC to discuss how they can help and what their assistance would provide.
“For 65 years United Way has brought together individuals and groups to support the ongoing needs of Natrona County,” UWNC Executive Director Anna Wilcox said. “Though we find ourselves amidst a number of great uncertainties, one thing we are certain of is that together, UNITED, we will get through this.”
“We’re grateful to have the relationships and infrastructure in place as well as the trust of our generous community to manage and distribute their donations to those individuals and families that need it most.”
