The United Way of Bucks County and Penn Community Bank have announced on Tuesday the creation of the Bucks County COVID-19 Recovery Fund.
The fund will start with $50,000 that will be used to assist residents with basic needs such as food, shelter, utilities, and transportation through United Way of Bucks County member agencies.
Member agencies will be able to request support from the fund to aid county residents with COVID-19 related services.
“Many of our nonprofit partners are on the front lines. They are already seeing an increased need for things like emergency food, cleaning products, paper goods – even diapers – and this trend will continue,” said Marissa Christie, the CEO of the United Way of Bucks County. “We want to do everything we can to provide the support needed here in Bucks County.”
No administrative expenses will be taken from the fund, and all money will go toward helping people with short-term and long-term financial recovery.
The United Way of Bucks County is putting in $25,000 and Penn Community Bank is donating the other $25,000. Donations from other organizations and the public are being accepted.
“As local businesses adjust their operations and staffing to slow the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, we know that many in our community will feel the hardship created by missed or reduced paychecks,” said Jeane Vidoni, president and CEO of Penn Community Bank. “Penn Community Bank is proud to pledge its support to the Bucks County COVID-19 Recovery Fund. We know that many more businesses and organizations are looking for ways to help in this time of need, and this is it. Together we can rise above this challenge and help those in need.”
A review board will oversee how the funds are used.
“Although it is likely that a bill providing additional emergency relief will be passed at the federal level, a flexible, local fund is needed. The primary objective is to make funds available quickly, as well as to provide items – and help people – not covered by federal funding,” the statement from the United Way of Bucks County said.
More details and information on donations can be found at http://www.uwbucks.org/COVIDrecovery.
Editor’s Note: Publisher Tom Sofield is a member of the United Way of Bucks County Board of Directors.
