DONATE NOW TO HELP PEOPLE IN OUR COMMUNITY

The Marshfield Community Fund, established by the Marshfield Chamber of Commerce and community leaders in partnership with United Way, will help individuals and families who have been financially impacted by this coronavirus pandemic with a focus on our most economically vulnerable neighbors.

BACKGROUND

As COVID-19 reverberates across hospitals, offices, schools and homes, Marshfield residents are struggling with how the disease, and its economic fallout, will impact their ability to eat, stay in their homes, ensure access to medical care and critical supplies and the impact it will have on their small businesses.

• According to a recent survey by the Marshfield Chamber of Commerce, 20% of non-essential businesses surveyed are already in a position that they will not be able to reopen once restrictions are lifted.
• 45% of families surveyed have experienced a total loss of wages or are on unemployment/ receiving unemployment benefits.
• 50% of families surveyed have an essential employee living in their home.
• 20% of families surveyed are in need of immediate financial assistance or immediate food assistance

This fund was established to mobilize those who can give to do so generously to support their neighbors.

WHAT CAN THE MARSHFIELD COMMUNITY FUND HELP PEOPLE WITH?

This crisis continues to evolve, and the Marshfield Community Fund will be flexible to respond as the needs of the Marshfield community evolve. Immediate needs have been defined as support for rent and other housing needs, food, utilities, internet connectivity for families with school-aged children, childcare and access to out-of-school time programs, medications and other basic needs. Priority will be given to those who are most economically vulnerable to this crisis. Funds will support emergency financial assistance for these needs through local nonprofits such as the Marshfield Boys and Girls Club and Sowing Seeds, along with expanded food distribution at the Marshfield Food Pantry.

HOW CAN I GIVE TO THE Marshfield Community FUND?

You can donate to our fund by clicking the yellow GIVE TODAY button or by clicking here. All gifts are tax-deductible and 100% of the proceeds (net credit card fees) will go to individuals seeking assistance via nonprofits already working in our community. You may also give via check made out to United Way of Massachusetts Bay, Inc and include “Marshfield Community Fund” in the check memo. Our tax ID number is 04-2382233.

You can also send a check to the following address: United Way of Massachusetts Bay, Inc., P.O. Box 412866, Boston, MA. 02241-2866. Please make checks out to “United Way of Massachusetts Bay” and include “Marshfield Community Fund” in the memo of your check.

HOW WILL MY DONATION HELP?

All donations will be collected by United Way and distributed by established Marshfield nonprofit organizations with a track record of administering assistance funds. These funds may pay for rent and other housing needs, food, utilities, internet connectivity for families with school-aged children, childcare, medications and other basic needs. Payments will be made directly to the vendors or in the form of gift cards.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I NEED ASSISTANCE?

The Marshfield Community Fund exists to mobilize those who can give to support their neighbors. In the coming days, visit this space for more detailed information on fund eligibility requirements and information about where to inquire for support. Until next week, if you need immediate help, please contact United Way’s 2-1-1 helpline or visit mass211.org for comprehensive information and referrals related to the virus.