BLOG: COVID-19. Weathering this storm. Together.

As we continue to monitor developments regarding coronavirus (COVID-19), I hope you, your team members, and your loved ones are healthy, safe, and taking the necessary precautions. While we have taken steps to keep our United Way team healthy, we are still maintaining our initiatives and working alongside our nonprofit partners to ensure that needed services are available to our most vulnerable neighbors.
 
The COVID-19 pandemic is not only having a profound impact on our economy, it is also greatly expanding the need for charitable organizations to provide additional services in an unprecedented manor.
 
This past Monday, we addressed this need by announcing a partnership between Community Foundation of Central Georgia and United Way of Central Georgia. We joined forces and established the Central Georgia COVID-19 Response & Recovery Fund to provide funding to our area nonprofits supporting local people and local organizations affected by the pandemic.
 
History shows in times of crisis, we’ve always risen to the challenge as a nation: growing victory gardens during WWII, raising flags after 9/11, stacking sandbags during floods, and sending supplies to help with relief efforts for Hurricanes Katrina and Sandy.
 
We are again facing a crisis in our country, and while we are concerned about our own futures, we must not forget our neighbors in the community who are already struggling with the financial effects of COVID-19. According to the Federal Reserve, more than one-third of Americans can be thrown into difficult financial straits by one unexpected expense of $400.
 
As events are cancelled, sales plummet, and businesses shutter, many Central Georgians are losing their wages and tips. As schools close, families must choose between expensive childcare or cutting hours at work. And children who rely on the schools free-and reduced-price meal program for their breakfast and lunch each day risk going hungry.
 
Along with dedicated supporters like you, United Way of Central Georgia remains committed to our community, our nonprofit partners, our neighbors, and our mission “to increase the organized capacity of people in Central Georgia to care for one another”.
 
 
Stay well and all my best,
 
George McCanless
President & CEO
United Way of Central Georgia