AKRON, Ohio -- The United Way of Summit County is leading the Akron Summit County COVID-19 Emergency Support Fund, which is collecting donations for county residents who are in a financial crisis due to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.

Businesses, foundations and people who wish to donate can visit uwsummit.org/covid-19.

“A crisis like this one – which is reshaping nearly every aspect of daily life in our community – will require a coordinated philanthropic response,” said Jim Mullen, president and CEO of United Way of Summit County. “We are thankful to our partners in local government, at Akron Public Schools, and at the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank, who will be working closely with us to ensure that these donations go to where they will make the biggest difference.”

The United Way is joined by the City of Akron, Summit County, Akron Public Schools, the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank, Summit County Public Health and Summit County Job and Family Services in coordinating the fund. Donations will go toward food and nutrition support, childcare assistance, housing and utility support and health-care assistance.

“This is an unprecedented global health emergency, but the impacts of this event are extremely local and personal,” said Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan. “In Akron and Summit County, we have a long history of taking care of our neighbors and stepping up in times of need – and this is no different. This is our community’s chance to shine."