West Bay Rotary teamed up with United Midcoast Charities to support local nonprofits that are meeting the immediate needs of individuals seeking help in Knox and Waldo counties. The United Midcoast Charities Rapid Response Fund is providing support for critical nonprofits like food pantries, homeless shelters, and more so they can serve the ever-growing demand for their services during the COVID-19 crisis.

With the community’s help, West Bay Rotary helped raise over $24,000 for the Rapid Response Fund.

“Our club wanted to do something to help our community and we thought that if we offered to match donations, it would be a great way to increase our impact,” said West Bay Rotarian Deborah Fink, in a news release. “We couldn’t be more pleased with the support we have seen over the last six weeks.”

In just the first two weeks of the challenge, donations totaled over $5,000 and within six weeks, that had increased to $14,156, according to the Rotary. With West Bay Rotary’s $10,000 match, they have helped raise $24,156 and are hoping to see that increase. So far, the Rapid Response Fund has distributed more than $39,000 to local nonprofits.

The need in the community continues, so donations can still be made at unitedmidcoastcharities.org/wbr.

For more information about West Bay Rotary, visit their website at westbayrotaryofmaine.org.