OKLAHOMA CITY –  A growing number of Oklahoma companies, foundations and families are joining with the United Way of Central Oklahoma to assist thousands of Oklahoma City area residents facing profound hardships amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our agency has already provided hundreds of thousands of dollars in assistance to more than 20 partner agencies across central Oklahoma, and requests for more resources keep coming in,” said Debby Hampton, United Way president and chief executive officer. “Fortunately, we have been able to answer those needs thanks to generous donors from throughout our amazing community.”

Thousands of Oklahomans have lost their jobs, leaving families stretched to their financial breaking point. As of May 5, the United Way has provided more than $850,000 in emergency funding to nonprofit organizations, which are assisting with everything from rent and utilities payments to food, mental health support and financial assistance.

“The needs out there are ongoing and enormous,” Hampton said. “Our agencies have submitted requests for $1.4 million in assistance, and we are in the process of answering those needs.”

The financial support provided through the United Way’s COVID-19 Response Fund has come from many generous donors, including the following, which have given $50,000 or more:

• Laura Love and daughters
• Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores
• W&W-AFCO Steel
• MidFirst Bank
• E.L and Thelma Gaylord Foundation
• Cresap Family Foundation
• Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oklahoma
• CompSource
• Inasmuch Foundation
• Bill & Sherri Lance
• Oklahoma Natural Gas

The United Way of Central Oklahoma COVID-19 Response Fund was established to help vulnerable individuals and families facing hardship due to lost income or unexpected expenses related to the pandemic. In addition to partner agencies associated with the United Way of Central Oklahoma, the fund also benefits the United Way of Logan County and the United Way of Canadian County.

Donations to the COVID-19 Response Fund may be made by texting COVIDOKC to 41444. Donations also can be made online at www.unitedwayokc.org or by mail to United Way of Central Oklahoma, P.O. Box 248947, Oklahoma City, OK  73124-8947.

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About United Way of Central Oklahoma
United Way of Central Oklahoma researches human needs within the communities of central Oklahoma and directs resources to accountable health and human services agencies to meet those needs by improving the health, safety, education and economic well-being of its most vulnerable citizens. For more information about United Way of Central Oklahoma, please visit www.unitedwayokc.org or call (405) 236-8441.