Responding to COVID-19 in South Lake County
COMMUNITY IMPACT
In 2020, The Community Foundation of South Lake County activated our Disaster Relief Fund in order to meet critical needs that arose during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the help of our donors, our disaster relief fund and giving members of South Lake County, we were able to fast-track applications for organizations responding to the immense needs of our community.
The health and wellbeing of our community is a top priority. By September of 2020, our Covid-19 community relief focused funding was able to provide over 100,000 meals, assist 296 individuals with rental and utility payments as well as being able to help 63 seniors with their basic needs.
In the fall of 2020, we were able to partner with some great private and public foundations; the Morgridge Family Foundation and the Live Well Foundation have supported our efforts in food insecurity, rental and utilities assistance and help for our elderly population.
The pandemic did not stop in 2020 and neither did the giving! In 2021, we combined donations from South Lake philanthropists (and donors like you) with our Endowed Feeding Lake County Fund to award grants to even more worthy organizations that assisted the residents and community of South Lake County.
The need for assistance remained high throughout 2021. Our local food pantries were reporting a 40% increase from their pre-pandemic reports. The continued partnership we have with the Morgridge Family Foundation came to our aid and the aid of other communities with a generous donation. Our community was also chosen to receive additional funding on behalf of FAITH Neighborhood Center, LovExtension, The Central Florida Hope Center and Hands of Hope America.
The need for philanthropy carries on, as we see our communities attempt to navigate life with the presence of Covid-19. Work is once again being conducted from our office. Staff can be contacted at our main number: 352-394-3818 from 9:00 am to 5 pm weekdays and by email. As always, we are here for you. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out.
COVID-19 is believed to be spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, similar to the way the flu and other respiratory viruses are spread. Symptoms can be fever, cough or difficulty breathing.
The CDC recommends the following actions to prevent the spread of illnesses like coronavirus or the flu:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your mouth and nose with the inside of your elbow when you cough or sneeze.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Updated information about COVID-19 can be found through the following resources: