Submitted by United Way of Lewis County
United Way of Lewis County is one of several United Way recipients of a very generous donation from Seattle-based Georgetown Brewing Company. The new ‘Lewis County’s Restaurant & Bar Employees Relief Fund’ is administered by United Way of Lewis County to assist restaurant and bar employees impacted by COVID-19 and the statewide shutdowns.
In partnership with the Chehalis Community Renaissance Team (CCRT) and the Centralia Downtown Association, with support from the Centralia-Chehalis Chamber of Commerce, and Security State Bank, the funds were designated by Georgetown Brewing Company to support local restaurant and bar industry employees experiencing financial hardship in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak. A total of 85, $250 VISA gift cards will be awarded to individuals who have worked in the Lewis County restaurant and bar industry in 2020.
Debbie Campbell, Executive Director of United Way of Lewis County states, “The impacts, both short and long term, of the COVID-19 pandemic have created an economic crisis for restaurant and bars nationwide; Lewis County is no exception. Our restaurants, bars, and their employees are all in need. We are grateful United Way of Lewis County was able to collaborate with these community partners in recognizing the need and providing support to those who work in this deeply impacted industry. Families should not have to choose their rent over groceries or their utilities.”
Beginning Wednesday, December 9, those who worked in the restaurant and bar industry in 2020 can apply to receive a VISA gift card through this fund by completing an application online at www.lewiscountyuw.com/employee-relief-fund. In-person application appointments are available at United Way by calling 360-748-8100 and scheduling an appointment for Tuesday, December 15 between 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Gift cards are limited to one per household and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis to Lewis County residents who show proof of employment at a restaurant or bar in 2020 through a paystub or letter from the establishment. The deadline to apply for support is December 16 by 5:00 p.m.
“We are hopeful this VISA gift card will help keep Lewis County families afloat during these challenging times and we hope to secure more donations to help more families in need,” says Campbell.
For questions or more information, please contact United Way of Lewis County at 360-748-8100 or by email at development@lewiscountyuw.com.
