The Major Crisis Relief Fund established in March as an arm of the Cape Cod Times Needy Fund has raised more than $900,000 to fulfill requests from nearly 600 Cape and Islands residents for financial aid during the COVID-19 pandemic. This week, the fund’s board of directors said it hopes to reach its fund-raising goal of $1.5 million as calls for assistance continue to be received.
The Major Crisis Relief Fund board has been collaborating with the Cape Cod Foundation and the United Way of Cape Cod and Islands to maximize responsiveness to local individuals and organizations; it is also working closely with the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce.
“We are mobilizing to meet unique needs in our communities, including our large elderly population who are particularly at risk,” said Judy Scarafile, the nonprofit’s managing director. “MCRF’s mission is to respond to weather-related and man-made disasters. While we have dodged devastating hurricanes and blizzards the last several years, we also function as a rainy day fund to meet unexpected public health crises. Well, it’s raining, and this crisis has had devastating effects.”
For example, the fund has helped residents who have lost their jobs or had reduced hours due to the constraints around the pandemic and has made a donation to the A Baby Center in Hyannis to pay for formula for 79 infants.
“I want to extend our thanks to all those who have stepped up in a grassroots effort to support us in responding to the coronavirus,” said Peter Meyer, president of the MCRF Board of Directors and president and publisher of The Cape Cod Times. “In addition, our special appreciation to MCRF’s founding sponsors: the Davenport family, Cape Cod Healthcare, Kelley Foundation, Seaside Le Mans, Shepley Wood Products, Cape Cod Five Cents Saving Bank, and Barnstable County Mutual Insurance. I would like to single out Jane and DeWitt Davenport, President of The Davenport Companies. The Davenports helped us launch our fund, and the invaluable assistance from their company continues today through the professional contributions of many Davenport employees.”
Donations can be made by visiting http://www.majorcrisisrelieffund.org/donate/, calling 508-778-7107, emailing mcrf@needyfund.org, or sending a check made out to Cape Cod Times Needy Fund – Major Crisis Relief, Major Crisis Relief Fund, P.O. Box 804, Hyannis, MA 02601.
To request assistance, call 508-778-7107 and leave your name and phone as prompted.
Those calling with financial aid inquiries will speak with trained intake professionals who will provide information and referral counseling as needed.
