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 August 25 we have

  • Donated 350 multilingual books (Spanish & English) to an Early Learning Center, ensuring that even while students are connecting remotely that they have fun and engaging books to read.

  • Provided cleaning and disinfecting supplies as well as disposable face masks so a community library and several nonprofit programs could reopen and keep 500+ clients and staff safe.

  • Purchased PPE for a local nonprofit to protect 15 members of its staff and vulnerable clients.

  • Distributed PPE and necessities for 196 families and children, providing undergarments, Bomba socks, clothing, diapers, wipes, blankets, sneakers, sanitizer and masks, and school supplies 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 13,173 COVID-19 related calls over the past 24 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 87,526 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! The deadline is September 30. Make sure to complete the U.S. Census. See details below.

  • Nonprofits, faith-based organizations and schools, register today for a special no-contact Day of Sharing on September 23 that features seasonal decorations. For more information and to download and fill out the mandatory compliance form, go to www.uwdor.org/seasonaldos.



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.
United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region's Annual Community Breakfast is virtual on Wed, Sept 30! Voting for UWDOR's Kindness Champion is open through Sept 28: www.uwdor.org/kindness

Go to www.uwdor.org/breakfast2020 for more information and to register.
Thank you! With your help we are making a difference in people's lives every day! For more information: www.uwdor.org/covidhelp
DO YOU NEED HELP?
STAY CONNECTED VIRTUALLY WHILE WE HAVE TO SOCIAL DISTANCE
CONTACT US
SEE WHAT WE'VE BEEN DOING
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.
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