PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The United Way of Aroostook has raised more than $100,000 for its COVID-19 Response Fund.
The fund supports Aroostook County nonprofit organizations working to help alleviate the financial strains the virus and subsequent shutdowns have caused individuals and families.
Hunger, homelessness, and the inability to meet basic needs are all issues that have occurred across the country and here in Aroostook, said United Way officials. The fund is helping those experiencing these hardships by providing grants to nonprofits which have programming in place to assist individuals.
Through the generosity of foundations, companies, businesses and donors, the response fund has helped to alleviate the financial strain that has been placed on the nonprofits that are meeting these increased needs, said United Way Executive Director Sarah Ennis. The United Way of Aroostook has committed to giving every dollar right back to the community.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has been more than just a health crisis for the United Way of Aroostook,” said Ennis. “Many of our own programs and partner agencies are struggling with how to help our community while also trying to endure the crisis ourselves. We have been fortunate to be able to respond to our community’s needs with this extra funding.”
Since Aroostook County started to feel the negative effects of COVID-19, the United Way of Aroostook has been able to respond by funding local agencies to purchase basic necessities for individuals, food those suffering increased food insecurity, shelter for the homeless, the opportunity for transitional housing out of homelessness and making sure the needs of the nonprofits are being met.
Local television station WAGM partnered with the United Way in the GIVE-19 campaign, which challenges donors to give just $19.
“United Way of Aroostook is still accepting online and text-to-give donations as well as check-by-mail donations,” Ennis said.
To donate online, visit www.unitedwayaroostook.org or www.wagmtv.com. Donors can also text ACCORONA to 44321 to receive a secure link to donate. Checks made payable to United Way of Aroostook can be mailed to 830 Main Street, Presque Isle, ME 04769.
Any non-profit agency wanting more information regarding funding should contact Sarah Ennis at sarah@unitedwayaroostook.org.
Submitted by the United Way of Aroostook.
