Stronger. Together.
SUPPORT CLAY COUNTY
The Clay Center Chamber of Commerce and The Clay Center Community Improvement Foundation (CCCIF) want to make it as easy as possible for residents to find the community programs and services aimed at helping those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. We aim to provide you with the most complete and up-to-date information available.
Please note, the supports listed are not comprehensive but intended to quickly connect residents with tools for addressing immediate needs. As neighbors, family members, residents, and friends, we must all do our part as one community to support one another during this difficult time.
Click on a category title below to access resources for individuals in our community, businesses, & their employees throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Donate
SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY & LOCAL BUSINESSES
There are two separate funds you can choose to financially support. It is important that you understand the function of each to ensure you are aware of what your money will support.
THE SMALL BUSINESS FUND
Our local retail, hospitality and service industries we know and love are already experiencing major changes as we continue to stay home. We must weather this storm together, and support local businesses in any way we can. The small business fund was designed to support the business district in Clay County.
​
To further display our support of local businesses, all donations of $25 or more will be given a T-shirt with your donation. In addition to this gift, a $10 donation will be made on your behalf to the CCCIF and their Clay County COVID-19 fund. This is a great way to support both causes.
ALL SMALL BUSINESS FUND DONORS OVER $25 GET THIS T-SHIRT!
Dependent on the amount raised, the vision of the program is to allow for small businesses within the Clay County area to apply or be nominated to receive funds. We hope you consider making a donation to support Clay County businesses.
THE COMMUNITY COVID-19 RECOVERY FUND
The impact of the Coronavirus will make it financially challenging for area non-profits and public agencies to meet the needs for recovery from this disastrous event. The 2020 COVID-19 Recovery Fund at the Clay Center Community Improvement Foundation has been established to receive donations to benefit those in the Clay County area who are in great need as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The COVID-19 Recovery Fund was specifically set up to provide grants to our non-profit partners, who in turn work with individuals and families. These organizations have a defined role in recovery efforts by providing critical services, including but not limited to:
-
Emergency food distribution
-
Shelter and long-term housing
-
Emotional and spiritual care
-
Economic and rental assistance
-
Education
-
Healthcare
​​
Visit the CCCIF's COVID-19 Response webpage to learn more, or to make a donation.
Volunteer
FOR THOSE WILLING TO DELIVER ESSENTIAL GOODS TO AT-RISK CITIZENS
We are preparing for and limiting exposure of COVID-19 in the Clay Center community by identifying healthy adults who can bring supplies to community members who are elders or immunocompromised.
​
The ideal volunteer is:
-
Under 60
-
Risk factors of contracting COVID-19 are low
-
Willing to volunteer for an elder or someone with high risk factors in our community
NOTE: In volunteering for this program, you will neither enter the home nor come within six (6) feet of the person you are assisting. Upon delivery and receiving of supplies, you will communicate with your recipient by phone and drop supplies at an agreed upon location outside the home.
Once you have filled out this form, we will match you to someone in need. You will contact them to coordinate logistics and delivery of essential supplies. Simply fill out our form to get onto the volunteer list.
Assistance for Individuals
ASSISTANCE VIA CHAMBER VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
Do you need essential supplies, meals delivered, pharmaceuticals or financial assistance?
We are growing a volunteer base to match you with someone who can accommodate your needs. To request assistance, simply fill out our form. A volunteer will be assigned to you, and they will reach out to coordinate with you. If a volunteer cannot meet your needs, we will do everything we can to get you in touch with programs that might be able to assist you.
​
We encourage all to apply, no matter the need. We are here to help!
NOTE: In signing up for this program, the volunteer will neither enter your home nor come within six (6) feet of you. Upon delivery and receiving of supplies, you will communicate with your volunteer by phone, who will drop supplies at an agreed upon location outside the home.
MORE SUPPORT OPTIONS FOR INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES
The CCCIF COVID-19 Recovery Fund was specifically set up to provide grants to our non-profit partners, who in turn work with individuals and families. If you are in need of assistance, reach out to one of the local social service agencies who can help you with a variety of needs.
-
The Lighthouse has a variety of support options including funding for groceries, utilities, rent and other daily living expenses. To see if you qualify, send an email to lighthouseforchrist@live.com or call 785-447-9359.
-
USD 379 can support families with school-aged children by providing free school meals and other assistance. Contact them by email at careteam@usd379.org or by calling 785-307-1550.
-
Kansas Unemployment Programs offers support for those with jobs affected by COVID-19. Visit their website at www.getkansasbenefits.gov to learn more.
Assistance for Businesses
SMALL BUSINESS FUND APPLICATION
The vision of the Small Business Fund is to provide support from the Clay County community to our local business district. It allows for small businesses within the Clay County area to apply or be nominated to receive funds. Funds have been raised by the Clay Center Area Chamber of Commerce through donors that want to see the Clay County business district continue to thrive during this uncertain time. We are truly stronger together!
​
Please fill out our form by May 15th to be evaluated by the Clay Center Area Chamber of Commerce board of directors. Once your form has been received and processed you will be contacted by one of our board members regarding funds available. Thank you for applying/nominating!
​
Please call Clay Center Area Chamber of Commerce at 785-632-5674 or email claycenterchamber@gmail.com with additional questions.
CLAY COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
The Clay County Economic Development Group is also doing their best to help businesses navigate the situation at hand. Visit their website at https://www.claycountyecodevo.com/ or send an email to lori@claycountyecodevo.com.
​
​