Wake County was gifted $100,000 from an anonymous donor to help fund the county’s response to COVID-19. 

The money will be used to aid in running the Wake County Emergency Operations Center (EOC), which is now in its 36th day of operations. The EOC serves as a hub which coordinates public health officials, healthcare workers, fire services, and other vital players in response to the pandemic, with more than 130 county employees. So far, the estimated costs of running the center has topped $3.8 million. 

“This is an incredibly generous gesture,” said Wake County Board of Commissioners Chairman Greg Ford. “The donor, a long-time resident of Wake County, did not specifically earmark how funds should be used, but was clear that we should make the most of every penny. That is certainly a promise I am happy to make—and to keep.”

Earlier this week, the Wake County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved $8.8 million in emergency funds to combat the pandemic. There have been over 350 confirmed cases of the virus so far in Wake County, out of over 3,300 cases statewide. 

If you are feeling generous, hospitals are asking for donations of unopened personal protective gear in order to keep healthcare staff and patients safe. WakeMed is also accepting monetary donations through this link.  

The anonymous donation is just one example of neighbors pitching in during the pandemic. Healthcare workers living in the Willow Spring neighbourhood were gifted baskets filled with gift cards, chocolate, and snacks put together by their neighbors, and the First Baptist Church in Apex is serving hundreds of dinners to residents in need due to the pandemic. The windows of homes are adorned with smiley faces and encouraging messages as you drive by, and despite social distancing measures, the county is still finding ways to come together. 

UNC Health and WakeMed will accept any of the following unopened supplies for donations:

Most Urgent Needs:

N95 masks

Surgical masks

Surgical masks with shield

Nasal swabs for medical use

Other needs:

Disinfectant

Eye protection, including safety goggles/glasses

Face shield

Gloves, disposable

Gowns, disposable

Hand sanitizer, greater than 60% alcohol

Hand soap

Shoe covers, disposable

Handmade masks

Drop-off Locations: 

UNC Health Learning Street

2001 Carrington Mill Blvd

Morrisville, NC 27560

Monday, March 23; Noon – 4 p.m.

March 24 to Friday, March 27; 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

UNC Wellness Center at Meadowmont

100 Sprunt Street

Chapel Hill, NC 27517

Monday, March 23 – Saturday, March 28, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

UNC Wellness Center at Northwest Cary

350 Stonecroft Lane

Cary, NC 27519

Monday, March 23 – Saturday, March 28, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Rex Wellness Center of Raleigh

4200 Lake Boone Trail

Raleigh, NC 27607

Monday, March 23 – Friday, March 27, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Duke Hospital

100 Golden Drive

Durham, NC, 27705

Monday, March 23 – Friday, 27, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.