WAUSAU — In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin and United Way of Marathon County continue to address the needs of local nonprofits through the COVID-19 Community Response Fund. As of April 3, $91,000 has been invested directly back to the area, according to a joint news release from the nonprofit agencies.

This COVID-19 Community Response Fund focuses on immediate needs, such as:

  • Childcare for families impacted as a result of the pandemic
  • Mental health and addiction care that may be impacted
  • Food security
  • Emergency rental and utility assistance

As of April 3, there was $206,000 in total donations to the fund. The Community Foundation covers all administrative fees so 100 percent of donations can be used to support local nonprofits.

To learn more about the complete list of donors, visit: https://www.unitedwaymc.org/community-response-fund/

The following organizations have been awarded Community Relief Grants as of April 3:

Blessings in a Backpack D.C. Everest–Wausau
Providing family-sized bags of food as a weekend supplement for vulnerable families experiencing food scarcity. The bags are distributed through the DCE, Mosinee and Wausau school districts food distribution channels that are in place through the grab-and-go food distribution collaboration.

Boys & Girls Club of the Wausau Area
To provide take home, hot, nutritious dinners along with high yield activity packets, books and craft activities to assist with out-of-school learning to anyone younger than 18.

Bridge Street Mission
Will provide sack lunches to students living near the downtown Wausau area who might not have transportation access to other food distribution sites.

Children’s Wisconsin
Will provide staff with the resources to help with food and basic needs for families they serve who live just above or below the poverty line.

Community Center of Hope
Will provide self-serve, pre-packed bags of food and essential hygiene products to residents in the Mosinee area.

Faith in Action of Marathon County
To provide essential health related transportation and food security trips for the most vulnerable populations affected by COVID-19.

Hmong American Center
To educate the elderly Hmong and Southeast Asian community about COVID-19 and to provide food and essentials items to the homebound community members they serve.

Key to Life Christian Child Care
To provide operational funds for the center to remain open and provide high-quality care for children of parents in our community who are essential workers.

North Central Community Action Program
Will provide for emergency rental and utility assistance to income-eligible households.

The Salvation Army
Provide for emergency rental and utility assistance to income-eligible households.

Vivent Health
Providing critical needs to the clients they serve including food distribution, at-home HIV testing and personal care needs.

Wisconsin Judicare
To provide for technology needs that will allow homebound staff to continue providing legal assistance in processing applications for its clients.

Woodson YMCA Childcare
Providing additional child care services at the Aspirus and downtown Wausau child care campuses for essential care workers in the community who still need to work.