SALISBURY — The Rowan County United Way’s COVID-19 Relief Fund received one large donation from Cheerwine and gave out another grant to a local organization last week.

Cheerwine donated $4,500 from T-shirt sales for its virtual festival held online last month. While the festival didn’t draw the usual crowds because of COVID-19 restrictions, its virtual edition has received more than 20,000 views.

The 2020 Festival T-Shirt was designed by Johnathan Woods, a junior at the University of Tennessee and Nashville native who won a design contest.

The COVID-19 Relief Fund, meanwhile, has also provided a grant of $10,000 to Trinity Living Center, an adult day service run by Lutheran Services Carolinas, to help with disruptions to its business.

“We recognize the invaluable services that Trinity Living Center provides to our community’s at risk elderly and their families, and want to ensure that they will continue to benefit from this vital organization,” Lee said.

To date, $78,184 in grants have been awarded through the COVID-19 Relief Fund, which is raising money to help with food insecurity, medical expenses and housing needs in addition to disruptions in business for nonprofits. The United Way is covering all costs associated with disbursing the money.

To apply, nonprofit organization must be 501(c)(3)s and be located in Rowan County.

The fund has generated $224,328 in donations to date and plans to continue awarding grants on a rolling basis.

The latest donations include:

• Patrick & Linda Broadway, $200
• Polly Holshouser Circle No. #7, First United Church of Christ, $100
• Edward & Susan Norvell, $200

Previously, the United Way received an anonymous donation of $60,000 to buy 25,000 white cloth masks to distribute to locals. And while the United Way has already handed out thousands, last week it allocated 2,000 of the masks for Hurley, Mt. Ulla and Knollwood Elementary. In particular, the United Way said, the masks were intended for Hispanic families, which have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 outbreak here.

Bread Riiot is also distributing masks at the weekly Salisbury Farmers Market and has given out more than 550.

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.