FROM: Jeannie Montano, President & CEO, United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region
Please give what you can to help us meet our $200,000 goal. The need in our community is still growing, even as we reopen. Every gift makes a difference in someone's life.
COVID-19 RESPONSE BI-WEEKLY UPDATE

United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region responds daily to COVID-19 requests in our community. We use your donations to provide critical help to those in greatest need. Now during the reopening and recovery phases, we continue to help those who are struggling to provide food for their families and keep them safe.
Since July 22 we have: 

  • Provided PPE and sanitizing supplies to a nonprofit to help ensure that 250 members of their staff and youth are safe.

  • Helped a local nonprofit ensure the safety of its 17 employees through necessary protective equipment.

  • Distributed PPE and necessities for 292 families and children, providing undergarments, clothing, diapers, wipes, blankets, sneakers, sanitizer and masks through our No Contact Day of Sharing Program. Contact Rebecca Lull ([email protected] or 845-471-1900 ext 3113) for more information about this program that serves nonprofits, faith-based organizations and schools. Arrangements must be made in advance.

  • United Way’s free confidential 24/7 2-1-1 Helpline has received 12,418 COVID-19 related calls over the past 21 weeks. This week callers are still seeking information on COVID-19. Re-opening is generating a new set of questions as well as increased anxiety on the part of frontline workers returning to work and fearful of exposure. Food insecurity accounted for 30% of all calls last week.

  • Thank you for joining us to deliver help to 82,231 people in Dutchess and Orange counties since March 12. Together we are #DOCommunityStrong against COVID-19.

and we are continuing to respond to the daily needs of our community as the situation evolves.


  • Remember to be counted! Make sure to complete the U.S. Census.

  • Are you serving in the military, a veteran or a retiree? Would you like to share storytime with with a special child - even when you're away from home? United Through Reading lets you record a story through their app and then will send the book to your special child. For information, click here.
Thank you! With your help we are making a difference in people's lives every day! For more information: www.uwdor.org/covidhelp
There is a new financial incentive for Americans to give generously to qualifying charities, including United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region and many of our community partners. The new universal tax break for charitable donations was included in the final $2 trillion COVID-19 stimulus package signed into law last week and will go into effect starting with the 2020 tax year. The measure grants taxpayers an above-the-line deduction for up to $300 in charitable donations given in 2020. For example, if you take the standard deduction and give $300 to charity, you will get a $300 tax break in addition to the standard deduction.
DO YOU NEED HELP?
2-1-1 Helpline  • Click here to Add Resource  •  Business Resources • Childcare for Essential Personnel  • Crisis Support • Donate • Employment Opportunities, & Unemployment Insurance • Facebook Group • Farmers' Markets • Food Pantries and Meal Delivery • Grants for Specific Workers Impacted by COVID  • Health, Healthcare, Mental Health and Insurance  • Internet Access (free) • Learning Support for Children • Legal Services • Masks  •  New Tax Advantage for Donors  • Newspaper (free COVID-19 stories) • Nonprofit Resources  • Public Transportation  • Rent Relief  • Restaurants Offering Take-Out and Delivery  •  School Meals  •  Summer Meals • Senior Shopping Venues and Home Delivered Meals  •  Scam Alerts • Shine United • Taxes • Tourism  • United Through Reading  • Utilities & Energy Assesment  •  Veterans and Military • Virtual Conferencing • Volunteer Opportunities
STAY CONNECTED VIRTUALLY WHILE WE HAVE TO SOCIAL DISTANCE
CONTACT US
United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region's Annual Community Breakfast is virtual on Wednesday, September 30!

Go to www.uwdor.org/breakfast2020 for more information and to register.
SEE WHAT WE'VE BEEN DOING
Thanks to the following for their support of our community through United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region’s Dutchess Orange Community Strong COVID-19 Fund:
And with thanks for support from our media partners
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It's not too late. You can still be counted.

Complete the 2020 Census to ensure our communities receive the federal aid, grants and support they are entitled to by your participation in the census. All information collected by the Census Bureau is confidential and protected under law.

Some local communities that have "hard to count" areas are sharing direct links and information.