Albion-Homer United Way Masks Up!

Masking up is part of Living United in Albion and Homer. In order to help curb the spread of COVID-19 the Albion-Homer United Way is distributing masks to area organizations. 

Encouraging mask wearing is an important aspect of helping the communities during the pandemic according to Marcia Starkey AHUW executive director. “The AHUW board decided that distributing masks was an important use of the Emergency Relief Funds raised through the generosity of the communities,” Starkey said. The fund drive exceeded its goal this spring and money raised has helped with food and essential services necessary during this ongoing pandemic.

Free masks have been made available for distribution at the Albion District Library, Albion City Hall, the Malleable Brewery, Foundry Bakehouse and Deli, Homestead Savings Bank, Homer Public Library and Homer Village offices. If any business or organization would like to distribute masks Starkey said they can contact her at mstarkey74@gmail.com or call her at 517-499-2563.

This spring the Albion-Homer United Way Emergency Relief Fund (ERF) more than met its goal. Donors to this fund for the Albion and Homer communities gave over $12,500 to qualify for a matching grant initiative from the Albion Community Foundation. The total amount raised was $37,500 through the generosity of community donors. 

ACF’s grant matched the AHUW dollar-for-dollar up to $12,500 in its fund drive for local COVID-19 relief efforts.

All contributions designed for the ERF will stay in the Albion-Homer communities with 100% of dollars raised granted to help meet local agency needs. There will be no administrative fees charged. The AHUW board and other volunteers will review immediate local needs so funds can quickly get to organizations in our communities.  You can still send a check to Albion-Homer United Way P.O. Box 55 Albion, MI 49224 or donate on-line at https://www.albionhomeruw.org.

Any possible undistributed money will go into this designated fund to help with any future unforeseen emergencies in Albion and Homer.

Albion’s Harry Bonner models the Albion-Homer United Way mask available free to Albion and Homer area residents. The masks are available at local organizations in the two communities. The washable masks were purchased with donations made to the AHUW Emergency Relief Fund. The fund helps with food and other essential services designed to assist residents during this on-going pandemic.