SALISBURY — Saying its business has been “blessed” during the pandemic, Shaver Wood Products in Cleveland has donated $10,000 to the Rowan County United Way’s COVID-19 Relief Fund.

The donation helped lift the fund’s total amount raised since its creation to $210,159 by Wednesday afternoon. The relief fund is raising money to help locals with food insecurity, medical expenses and housing needs as well as disruptions in business for nonprofits.

The United Way provides grants to Rowan-based 501(c)(3)s rather than dispersing the money itself directly to individuals. So far, the fund has dispersed roughly $64,000, including $54,000 in grants and $10,000 through a donation made by the Wallace and Graham law firm earmarked for Rowan Helping Ministries.

In his letter to the United Way, Shaver Wood Products President Richard Shaver said his company wanted to give a donation to the agency beyond its normal contribution to the annual campaign, in part, because services that help those in need have stretched resources now.

“We share the concerns of those who are sick and the families that have suffered loss of loved ones from the effects of COVID-19. Our hearts and prayers go out to them all,” Shaver wrote. “Our business has been blessed during the pandemic.”

Shaver said the wood products industry has provided materials like pallets used to transport food and wood fiber to make tissues, food containers and masks.

“We have had record monthly sales of hardware and building supplies as people take advantage of their downtime to work on home projects. We are truly thankful for the blessings we have received,” he wrote. “Yet, we realize that a large number of residents in Rowan County have suffered loss of income through reduced work hours and business closings. Many people are in need of the services that the United Way supports.”

Including Shaver Wood Products’ donation, the fund raised $11,812 since the last update on Sunday.

Anyone interested in making a donation can do so at rowanunitedway.org, text the word “RELIEF” to 704-286-1011 or mail a contribution to the United Way at 131 West Innes St., Suite 201, Salisbury, N.C. 28144. Those mailing donations should address them to the attention of the COVID-19 Relief Fund. Those making a donation online should include a note in the comment section saying it’s for the COVID-19 Relief Fund.

Nonprofits can obtain more information about applying by visiting rowanunitedway.org or calling the office at 704-633-1802.

The most recent donations are as follows:

• Jim and Deb Cervin, $100

• Michael Stridick, $50

 Randy & Barrie Kirby, $100

• Vernon and Renee Walters, $100

• Linda Streetman, $250

• Leonard Hall, $112

• Anonymous, $50

• Godley’s Garden Center, $350

• Kenneth & Mary Ann Kolkebeck, $500

• Edward and Susan Norvell, $200