by Hilary Canty

Executive Director, OICF

The Orcas Island Community Foundation has launched the Community Emergency Response Fund, with a $10,000 seed donation from the foundation, thanks to Bob Henigson’s OICF Legacy gift.

The goal of this fund is to ensure critical supports remain available throughout the community as needs arise during the coronavirus pandemic. Distributions from the Community Emergency Response fund will be available to support organizations serving the Orcas community who may experience an increase in demand for services and potentially a constriction of revenue.

OICF will work with a team of community members to recommend distributions from the fund. Applications for organizations in need will available online next week.

Donations can be made at www.oicf.us, mailed to PO Box 1496, Eastsound, WA 98245, or dropped off at 44 Urner St.

In addition, OICF is expanding the Community Connections program to include a volunteer registry to help meet the need for additional volunteers for projects, deliveries or support. Community members can call 360-376-6423 or email megan@oicf.us to sign up. OICF will share the list with organizations that need volunteers to support their efforts.

Neighbors helping neighbors — it is the Orcas way.