According to WHO, the COVID-19 is the infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus. Officially proclaimed a pandemic on March 11, 2020, this disease has caused global shut-downs, cancellations, and indefinite postponements. These consequences have impacted the Brookings area nonprofits, residents, and businesses. Learn more about how you can stay safe and help your community.
Are You Able to Volunteer?
Visit the Helpline Center to see the most critical volunteer opportunities during this time. If you are unable to volunteer, please view the list of needed donations below.
Virtual Programming for Families
Check out our boredom busters, fun facts, and resources available right now! Learn more about virtual programming available to youth and families.
Vaccine Information
Find vaccine availability and information from the Brookings Health System.
Stay Informed
Food Insecurity
In these uncertain times, food insecurity can be an overwhelming crisis to face for many individuals and families in our community. United Way and our Community Partners are committed to addressing this need as efficiently as possible.
Use the following links to learn about available food programming.
Click here for Brookings Backpack Project.
Click here for Brookings Food Pantry.
Staying Safe & Updated
The best way for you to help others is for yourself to stay healthy and safe. For updates on the coronavirus in South Dakota and in Brookings, please visit BeReadyBrookings. For program cancellations, postponements, and other updates, please visit the Helpline Center.
View COVID-19 Resources with United Way's "Local Resources at a Glance" downloadable pdf.
Click here to learn more about South Dakota State University's response.
Click here to learn more about the City of Brookings' response.
Click here to learn more about Brookings Health System's response.
Do You Need Help?
Dial "2-1-1" or visit the Helpline Center to find the resources that are available in your area. The Helpline Center is updated 24/7 with the newest information about help and how to help in South Dakota. Calling "2-1-1" will connect you directly to a trained professional who can help you with anything from answering simple questions to serious help.
If you are unable to volunteer, please consider donating financially to our emergency fund, or donating needed supplies to our agencies. View the list of current needs below. For donation drop-off, please call (605) 692-4979 or email uw@brookingsunitedway.org to coordinate a location and time.
Supplies:
- Toilet paper
- Baby wipes & diapers (all sizes)
- Pull-ups (all sizes)
- Depends (all sizes)
Food Single Servings:
- Oatmeal
- Pork & Beans
- Cream of Chicken Soup
- Pancake Mix & Syrup
- Chicken/ Hamburger/ Tuna Helper
- Macaroni and Cheese packets/ mac and cheese boxes
- Canned items such as ravioli, tuna or chicken, spaghetti
- Canned vegetables
- Applesauce
- Fruit cups
- Ramen Noodles
- Egg/elbow noodles
- Chex Mix
- Cereal
- Juice boxes
- Packs of cookies
- Small snacks such as crackers, meat sticks, cheese
If you are experiencing an increase in need/service, United Way and the Brookings Foundation has created the Brookings COVID-19 Relief Fund. During the immediate relief phase, priority will be given to community-based organizations providing basic needs services to people who are immediately and inordinately suffering from this pandemic. Grants will be allocated on a rolling basis as fundraising continues throughout the cycle of this outbreak and the recovery phases making it possible to move resources quickly and to be able to adjust to the evolving needs going forward. Please send completed applications to uw@brookingsunitedway.org.
Click here to download the Brookings COVID-19 Agency Application.
Brookings COVID-19 Relief Fund Achievement Report
Achievement Report Requested: When a grant is awarded, representatives from funded organizations will be expected to submit and Achievement Report back to the committee with a letter summarizing their use of the grant. Achievement Reports are due 6 months after an award date. To complete, fill out the form below.
Thank you again for your interest in partnering with United Way in meeting the needs of thousands of individuals in Brookings County. Your work during this difficult time deeply appreciated.
Please contact United Way uw@brookingsunitedway.org or all (605) 692-4979 with any questions or concerns.
