SIDNEY — The Community Foundation of Shelby County and the Shelby County United Way have partnered to set plans in motion for a charitable fund that could be activated, if needed, to assist with local needs as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.

“We are prepared should local nonprofits and government entities tell us that they need assistance to continue to serve their current or expanded list of clients and patients,” said Marian Spicer, executive director. “Should the fund become activated, we will communicate that and then will ask for people to give support.”

Spicer said the planned fund would support organizations that provide direct social service in Shelby County. No funding is planned to go directly to individuals.

“With potentially a widespread need, we are not able to review individual personal needs and, in collaboration with the United Way, we will focus on local organizations throughout the county that are already equipped to handle things like food, shelter and health.”

“The Shelby County United Way looks forward to supporting the Community Foundation of Shelby County with the creation of the 2020 Recovery Fund,” said Scott Barr, president of the Shelby County United Way. “As we work together, we will be able to better assist our community and the human service organizations impacted directly by this crisis.”

To check on the status of the potential charitable fund to assist with local recovery, go to the Community Foundation website at commfoun.com and click on Our Response to the Virus Outbreak on the homepage.