OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma City-based steel fabricating company W&W-AFCO Steel announced a $100,000 donation to the United Way of Central Oklahoma COVID-19 Response Fund. Established to increase resilience among vulnerable populations, the fund supports partner agencies of United Way of Central Oklahoma, United Way of Logan County and United Way of Canadian County serving those who are experiencing COVID-19-related hardships.

“We are humbled by our corporate partners like W&W-AFCO Steel that are going above and beyond with their philanthropic support during this pandemic,” United Way of Central Oklahoma President and CEO Debby Hampton said. “Many of our United Way partner agencies are serving an unprecedented number of clients and this fund is an opportunity for the public to contribute to meet those increased needs.”

Examples of agency services the fund was created to support include providing rental assistance for clients who have lost employment, mental health services due to increased stressors like lost income and social isolation, food and personal hygiene items for resource centers and nonprofit staff wages.

“We know that many Oklahomans are struggling and facing unexpected challenges due to COVID-19,” W&W-AFCO Steel CEO Rick Cooper said. “We’re thankful for the United Way and its network of partner agencies for stepping up for our community during this time of crisis.”

Hampton said partner agencies such as HeartLine 2-1-1 are working around the clock to meet increased requests for services due to the pandemic. By dialing 2-1-1, Oklahomans can reach a free, 24-hour referral service with timely, local information about COVID-19. Compassionate call specialists guide callers to local resources and connect them with the appropriate health and human service for their situation.

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

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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.