DETROIT — August 20, 2020 — United Way for Southeastern Michigan has received a donation from STANLEY Engineered Fastening, a division of Stanley Black & Decker, to support its ongoing efforts to help families across Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties as they deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. The donation brings the total amount raised in the fund to more than $33.6 million.
Large and small companies, along with philanthropic organizations, and individuals have amplified the impact of the fund. Launched in mid-March as the crisis first impacted the state, the effort has already reached thousands of families, hundreds of nonprofits, and generated hundreds of hours of volunteer time.
Before COVID-19 hit the region, 44 percent of Southeastern Michigan households were already struggling to meet their basic needs like food, housing and health care. According to United Way’s ALICE report, these households were only one bad day away from potential financial ruin.
Now, these families — and many more — are in crisis, as the pandemic continues.
“I believe that the more we give away, the more that comes back. In these challenging times, it is rewarding to provide for our communities and understand what is important,” says Sherry Lee, STANLEY Engineered Fastening Michigan Operations Director. “What a privilege to be able to support local nonprofits like United Way of Southeast Michigan!”
“We are grateful for this generous donation from Stanley Black & Decker at a time when our entire region is facing such a terrible, ongoing crisis,” said Dr. Darienne Hudson, president and CEO of United Way for Southeastern Michigan. “Partners like this make it possible for us to continue our support of those on the front lines of the pandemic. Fortunately, we have been able to raise a great deal of money, in a short amount of time. The challenge going forward will be to continue to help the more than 44 percent of families that still have issues meeting their most basic needs.”
In addition to this donation, Stanley Black & Decker is supporting COVID-19 response efforts in other critical ways. The company’s tools and storage units engineered fasteners and security solutions are used by the essential health care, first responder, construction, maintenance, transportation, government and medical manufacturing workers. Stanley Black & Decker is developing 3D face shield printing, innovations in mask technology, and fasteners and battery technology for medical products such as respirators.
United Way is working with hundreds of partners, like Stanley to give families the support they need to weather this crisis and reach stability, as well as to ensure they can help their children thrive and learn.
To learn more about the company’s COVID-19 response efforts, visit: https://www.stanleyblackanddecker.com/covid-19