Coca-Cola Co. and Woodruff Foundation pledge $10 million to COVID-19 fund

ajc.com

Two of the city’s most influential institutions are joining forces to aid in the fight against the coronavirus.

The Coca-Cola Co. and the Robert W. Woodruff Foundation have each donated $5 million to the Greater Atlanta COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund, according to a press release about the contribution.

The creation of the fund was announced yesterday by the United Way of Greater Atlanta and the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta.

The donation will be used to help the metro area’s residents who are most vulnerable to  the health-related and financial impacts of the virus.

The $10 million donation, as well as other funds raised, will go to nonprofit organizations and agencies focused on providing crucial services to people directly or indirectly affected by the pandemic including children who receive free or reduced lunch, older residents, families in need of childcare, homeowners and renters at risk for eviction and hourly or low-wage workers.

“We are deeply concerned about the growing impact of coronavirus in Atlanta and beyond, especially in the most vulnerable parts of our communities,”  James Quincey, chairman and CEO of the Coca-Cola Co. said in a release.

Others are helping as well.

The Wells Fargo Foundation donated $250,000 to the fund.

“It’s important in times of community need that we work together,” Wells Fargo’s Southeast Lead Region President Darryl Harmon said in a release. “ We hope our support provides a measure of relief as we stand with the community during this challenging situation.”

If you need help, contact the United Way of Greater Atlanta’s 2-1-1 Contact Center. The center, which is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, can be reached by phone, text, chat, email or mobile app.