KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The John Fetzer Institute has made a donation of $1,000 to a local nonprofit looking to help displaced Kalamazoo workers due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Late last month, nonprofit organization CALTRAN announced the launch of the fund via GoFundMe, which is meant to raise a minimum of $5,000 to apply towards, gas, electricity, water, sewer, and telephone bills.
Cable and other nonessential bills do not qualify.
Additionally, this campaign is only meant to assist low-income individuals and families who were struggling financially before the Coronavirus (Covid-19) epidemic caused the closure of restaurants without carryout service.
On Wednesday, April 29, CALTRAN announced the donation from the institute, providing a letter of notification.
“In extraordinary and challenging times like this, it is especially important to come together out of concern for our immediate community,” the letter reads. “As an expression of that care, the Fetzer Institute has given each of our staff a one-time allocation of $1,000 to direct to a non-profit of their choice that is addressing a need caused by COVID 19. I am pleased to share that Nick Shepich has designated CALTRAN as the recipient of this support in the amount of $1,000.00.”
CALTRAN will begin awarding the grants to qualifying Kalamazoo restaurant workers in May. The reason for doing so is because funds via GoFundMe aren’t released until the 25th of each month.
Displaced workers can begin apply for a grant at the Kalamazoo Restaurant Workers United Facebook page.
Citizens interested in donating can do so via the campaign or by mail.
To make a tax-deductible donation by mail, citizens can send a check or money order to CALTRAN, c/o Kalamazoo Restaurant Workers, P.O. Box 2632, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49003.
