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COVID-19 Relief Fund | 10.15.20 Update

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an economic impact on many of our families, friends, and neighbors. While many applicants have actually returned to work, limited hours, substantial decrease in clientele and catching up on the financial strains of the previous months has been difficult.

Over the past 27 weeks, the Catholic Community Foundation has received nearly 400 gifts from people who simply want to reach out to their neighbors in need in eastern South Dakota. Those gifts made it possible to provide emergency assistance grants to 643 families, including over 1,100 children.

Here is a message we received last month:

"Can you help? I've fallen behind on all my bills. I lost my job because of COVID-19 and I have an 11-year-old son. I've had to spend all my savings - and now my car fuel pump went out. I found a job and started a couple of days ago but I won't get a paycheck for two more weeks and can't hold on that much longer. I owe my landlord $500. I've never had to ask for a handout in my 36 years but I'm in desperate need of some help to get back on my feet. Thanks, John"

Our response was approval for emergency assistance and our COVID-19 Relief Fund manager, Kelly Bartmann, immediately received another message from John.

"Thank you so much. I'm beyond grateful for your help!! My address is _____________. I grew up Catholic but for years have only made it to church on Christmas Eve and Easter. Please let me know of a church in my area."

Below are some additional examples of stories people throughout eastern South Dakota have shared since we began offering a hand up through the COVID-19 Relief Fund

Thank you to the many pastors who have taken the time and helped implement and distribute the COVID-19 Relief Fund in their communities.

The COVID-19 Relief Fund is currently depleted but open to accepting donations at any time.

For more information on the COVID-19 Relief Fund, click here.

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