North Iowa Reporter

The United Way of North Central Iowa (UWNCI) is doing its part to help residents during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Globe Gazette reported.

Chief Executive Officer Jen Arends and other United Way volunteers established the COVID-19 relief fund. So far, the UWNCI has raised more than $100,000 for organizations and individuals in need during the pandemic.

“When those businesses shut down, a lot of people’s income stopped,” Arends told the Globe Gazette. “We didn’t really know how long it was going to last, we just knew that we needed to be there for our community, because that’s what we do at the United Way.”

The Gazette reported the fund sits at $102,649 and more than $57,000 was distributed out to programs in need. 

“We’ve been able to help 21 programs so far with everything from increasing their sanitation needs so they can continue to operate safely, to upgrading technology so that they can provide services still and help those people in need in North Iowa,” Arends told the Gazette.

If these were regular times and they are clearly not, the UWNCI has corporate sponsors that help with financing events but this year there have been no events.

Arends hit the phone and started asking corporations to donate to the fund.

Arends told the Gazette that corporations that have donated include Mid-American Energy, 3M, Winnebago Industries, Clear Lake Bank and Trust and First Citizens Bank.

To donate, visit unitedway.nci.org and go to the COVID relief fund tab.