The Redwood City Education Foundation (RCEF) has launched the COVID-19 Family Relief Fund to financially support Redwood City School District (RCSD) families experiencing severe economic hardship due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
RCEF launched the fund in coordination with RCSD after the district notified families it would be moving to at-home learning starting Monday, March 16.
“100 percent of the proceeds will provide direct financial support to families with no funds being used for administrative costs,” according to RCEF.
The fund was created to support two programs. One is the Community Schools Family Emergency Fund, which provides gift cards to help low-income families purchase basic provisions like groceries, toiletries and gas. Families can pick up gift cars at any of the five Family Resources Centers in the Redwood City School District. The second program supported is the Emergency Housing Assistance program, a city-administered program providing direct financial relief to families at eminent risk of losing their homes.
So far, Redwood City and the surrounding community have stepped up. In the first 24 hours of fundraising, RCEF’s Family Relief Fund raised $100,000. Contributions have ranged from $10 to $25,000 by community members, businesses, family foundations and corporate match support.
As of today, donations are at $150,000. The RCEF goal is to raise $200,000 by April 1.
“We are thrilled the community has come together so quickly to ensure that no families fall through the cracks,” said Jason Galisatus, RCEF executive director. “Our community is strong, because our community is compassionate. I firmly believe our focus on keeping one another safe and secure will help see us through this crisis.”
To support the fund, visit https://www.rcef.org/covid-19-relief.
