The Community Foundation of Warren County has opened a Charitable Emergency Fund to provide support for needs in the community as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to Executive Director John Lasher, the Foundation had already decided to prioritize its available funds for emergency needs; currently focused on helping with food pantries and other organizations feeding people.

“With Warren Gives on the horizon, we did not want to do additional fundraising right now,” he said. “However, in the past few days, we have had inquiries from people who want to help during this difficult time. The board decided to provide an opportunity for those who want to make donations to do so.”

The Charitable Emergency Fund will accept gifts by check payable to the Community Foundation of Warren County at its offices at 310 Second Avenue in Warren. Donors should indicate “Charitable Emergency Fund” in the memo line.

Funds collected will be used only to support organizations in Warren County with emergency needs related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The fund will support community needs but cannot provide direct support to individuals, said Lasher. The Foundation will refer individuals to the appropriate organizations for help.

“As the effects of this pandemic continue, we will use our resources to help organizations that help people,” said John Hanna, chairman of the Foundation board of directors.

For more information about the Charitable Emergency Fund, to make a donation, or to apply for support, contact Lasher at (814) 726-9553, by email at cfwc@westpa.net, or at the Foundation office at 310 Second Avenue in Warren.