United Way of the Coastal Empire is partnering with WTOC-TV to host a virtual telethon on Wednesday, April 29 to raise money for the COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund. 

The fund, according to a press release, will be used to help families retain stable housing by assisting with rent, mortgage, and utility payments when grace periods are not offered and to provide financial assistance for additional critical needs such as medical expenses and child care. Additionally, United Way will provide emergency funding to its partner agencies with a demonstrated increase in demand for services and/or decline in revenue due to COVID-19.

Viewers can tune in to WTOC-TV on Wednesday, beginning at 4 a.m. for information on ways to help. United Way employees will be available starting at 9 am to help callers make donations via phone.

How to donate:

• Text UWCOVID19 to 41444

• Visit uwce.org to donate online

• Call 912-651-4006 from 9 am to 8 pm to make donations via phone

On March 24, United Way of the Coastal Empire announced the COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund to help families retain stable housing by assisting with rent, mortgage, and utility payments when grace periods are not offered and to provide financial assistance for additional critical needs such as medical expenses and child care. More than $240,000 has been raised to provide individuals and families who struggled to consistently afford the basics even before the pandemic.

"Through the 211 call center and community service centers in Bryan, Effingham, and Liberty counties, United Way has been connecting citizens with resources that can help them through struggles related to COVID-19. Last week, the United Way received nearly 5,000 calls – four times the amount of calls from the prior week. The greatest needs of the community primarily are housing, food, and utilities related; but as the crisis builds, it creates more critical needs for our community," the press release stated.