Statewide emergency group raising money for coronavirus response. Here’s how to give
A South Carolina coalition that comes together during state emergencies is responding to the coronavirus outbreak.
The One SC Fund has been activated with support from Gov. Henry McMaster as the spread of COVID-19 escalates in South Carolina, threatening the livelihood of its citizens and the stability of communities.
The One SC Fund will take in donations and distribute that money to groups that are working to bolster communities and people affected by the virus. Money donated to the fund goes to “food, shelter (and) health” needs as well as nonprofits responding to the coronavirus.
“One hundred percent of monies donated will go directly to help our state’s COVID-19 response,” officials from One SC Fund said in a statement.
As of Friday, the Department of Health and Environmental Control has confirmed 125 cases of COVID-19, the illness caused by the new coronavirus, in South Carolina with three deaths. Kershaw County is at the epicenter of the outbreak with 36 known cases. Richland County has 22 known cases. Eleven University of South Carolina students and a seven-month-old contracted the virus.
The One SC Fund is managed by Central Carolina Community Foundation, which works with South Carolina Grantmakers Network, TogetherSC Philanthropic Partners, and United Way Association of South Carolina to distribute the Fund’s money to other organizations that are fighting the effects of the coronavirus.
“Through experience, we know that building coalitions is essential when responding to community need,” said JoAnn Turnquist, president and CEO of Central Carolina Community Foundation, in a statement. “This coalition will help maximize our resources and local knowledge, and use our collective strengths to respond effectively to the COVID-19 pandemic in our state.”
“Donations to the fund will enhance the efforts already underway in several counties and regions across South Carolina and will be used to address gaps in the response efforts, including support for communities that lack resources or an organized philanthropic response,” the statement from the One SC Fund said. “The effort will also provide an outlet for statewide, regional, and national funders interested in supporting a COVID-19 response in South Carolina.”
State government has responded to the virus outbreak by putting together a $45 million aid package that Gov. Henry McMaster signed into law Thursday. The City of Columbia rolled out a $6 million stimulus plan to combat the virus’ impact on the economy.
The One SC Fund was established by former Governor Nikki Haley after the 2015 Thousand-Year Flood. The fund has supported efforts during three previous state-declared disasters, including historic flooding in October 2015, Hurricane Matthew, and Hurricane Florence, distributing over $5.5 million to nonprofits, according to its statement.
To donate to the One SC Fund visit www.onescfund.org or mail a check made payable to Central Carolina Community Foundation-One SC to: Central Carolina Community Foundation, 2142 Boyce Street, Suite 402, Columbia, SC 29201.
Information for nonprofits interested in applying for a grant will be available the week of March 23 at www.yourfoundation.org/onescgrants.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREWhat you should know about the coronavirus
The coronavirus is spreading in the United States. Officials are urging people to take precautions to avoid getting sick, and to avoid spreading the disease if they do contract it.
Click the drop-down icon on this card for more on the virus and what you should do to keep yourself and those around you healthy.
What is coronavirus?
Coronavirus is an infection of the respiratory system similar to the flu. Coronaviruses are a class of viruses that regularly cause illnesses among adults and children, but this outbreak has spawned a new disease called COVID-19, a particularly harsh respiratory condition that can lead to death.
Health officials believe COVID-19 spread from animals to humans somewhere in China. It spreads among humans by physical person-to-person contact, including via coughs. That’s why health officials urge sick individuals to avoid contact with other people.
For more information, visit the website for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms are similar to the flu and include fever, coughing and shortness of breath.
How can I stop the spread of the coronavirus?
Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, and cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
If you develop symptoms similar to the coronavirus, you should seek medical attention. Stay home from work or school and avoid contact with others. It can take up to 14 days after coming into contact with the virus to develop symptoms.
COVID-19 is a new condition and there’s much about the disease we still don’t understand. For now, taking precautions is the best way to stop the spread of the coronavirus.