March 23, 2020 - Generous, an online giving platform that allows users to donate to causes and charities of their choice, and NewsChannel 5 today announced a partnership to raise funds to support those in Middle Tennessee who are most vulnerable during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Donors can give to the fund by pointing their web browser to https://joingenerous.com/covid19-middle-tennessee
With thousands of cases in the United States and already more than 100 deaths, communities are taking extreme measures to avoid the rapid spread of the virus. As a result, thousands of people have lost access to basic necessities including food and work.
The elderly, because they are most at risk of critical illness or death, must take extra precautions with social distancing, making it difficult for them to run essential errands to places like the grocery store or pharmacy. With the indefinite suspension of most schools, many children who relied on eating two meals a day at school do not have adequate access to nutritious food. Additionally, businesses in the restaurant, entertainment and hospitality industries have closed their doors to minimize impact of the novel coronavirus, forcing them to lay off or furlough hundreds of thousands of employees. Musicians who relied on performing in these venues have also taken a direct hit.
The COVID-19 Middle Tennessee Emergency Response Fund will benefit six area nonprofits:
- Second Harvest Food Bank:Fighting hunger across 46 Middle and West Tennessee counties
- FiftyForward:A Meals on Wheels program providing home delivery of high-quality meals to adults 50 and older
- Salvation Army:Offering short-term financial help to pay for rent, housing and utilities of those out of work due to the coronavirus
- MusiCares Foundation's COVID-19 Relief Fund:Providing services to assist with financial, medical and personal emergencies for music creators and professionals affected by canceled shows
- Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center:Treating minor medical problems and providing affordable primary care services
- Shade Tree Clinic: Offering care to Nashville's uninsured population and staffed by Vanderbilt University Medical School students
Donors can choose to support the COVID-19 Middle Tennessee Emergency Response Fund as a whole with donations that will be divided equally among the six nonprofits, or they can select the specific charity they'd like to support.
"We are grateful that, even while recognizing the importance of social distancing, our community is able to bind together and support one another virtually," said Ross Buntrock, CEO of Generous. "There are so many needs at a challenging time such as this, and everyone has different causes they are passionate about supporting. This fund allows people - regardless of their interests - to make a difference in the Middle Tennessee community. We are thankful that NewsChannel 5 has joined us in supporting those most affected by COVID-19."
"We've seen the Nashville and Middle Tennessee community through several trials, including the 2010 flood and the devastating tornadoes earlier this month," said Lyn Plantinga, vice president and general manager of NewsChannel 5. "Through each one, Middle Tennesseans stand together and support each other in an inspiring way. We're proud to partner with Generous and provide a way to support the vulnerable members of our community."