Leaders with the United Way of Clallam County announced the organization has established the Clallam COVID-19 Response Fund, to help minimize the financial impact of the novel coronavirus outbreak.

The fund was started with $100,000 from the Clallam Community Foundation and United Way is seeking donations from the community to increase the number of people it can reach.

All donations will be used to support local nonprofits who are focused on health and human service needs in the community, United Way representatives said in a statement released on March 18.

“United Way of Clallam County is well positioned for this sort of rapid response, with volunteer-led groups focused on identifying needs year-round, coupled with staff expertise, we will be able to work with direct-service providers and get the dollars where they’re needed most,” said Christy Smith, Chief Executive Officer for United Way of Clallam County.

Depending on need, the fund will support nonprofits in a variety of ways including (but not limited to) scholarships for childcare, food for food banks and other organizations providing free meals, and support for keeping people employed at nonprofits that are providing direct services.

Qualified nonprofits are encouraged to visit www.unitedwayclallam.org to apply for funding, or email to info@unitedwayclallam.org for more information.

“Our community is stronger when it is unified, and it is going to take all of us to mitigate the impacts and recover as a community,” Smith said. “Your donation, of any amount, makes a difference and is vitally important because one gift to United Way can touch the lives of thousands of individuals and families.”

Donations can be directed towards a specific nonprofit or placed in the COVID 19 Fund. Make donations by phone at 360-457-3011, online at www.unitedwayclallam.org, or by mail to: PO Box 937, Port Angeles, WA 98362.