News briefs: Fairfield County Foundation raises $229,863 with “32-Hour Give” event

LANCASTER – The Fairfield County Foundation hosted its annual “Get Your Give On” event this week in conjunction with #GivingTuesday, which takes place annually on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving (in the U.S.) to kick-off the holiday giving season and inspire people to collaborate in improving their local communities.

The Give events began in 2014 and have grown significantly over the years. This year’s 32-Hour Give raised an impressive $229,863 during the 32-hour time window that began at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, November 30. The Foundation awarded a total of $32,000 in matching gifts to the funds that received contributions, making the total award to participating funds $261,863.

“I am truly inspired by the generosity of this community and thrilled with how this event continues to grow each year, especially during such challenging and uncertain times,” said Fairfield County Foundation Executive Director, Amy Eyman. “We have raised more than $914,000 through these events and when you add the Foundation’s match, that’s more than $1.1 million to support our community. We are incredibly grateful to all of the donors and community members who have participated and worked to raise awareness of this unique annual event.”

Non-profits and fund holders were encouraged to secure donations from individuals and have them contribute in-person or online between 8 a.m. on November 30 and 4 p.m. December 1. During the designated 32 hours, the Foundation matched funds on a pro-rata basis. For more information about the 32-Hour Give, visit: www.fairfieldcountyfoundation.org.

Health department gives weekly Covid update

LANCASTER — Fairfield County’s COVID-19 case numbers increased by 50% this past week. Over the past seven days, we have had 589 new COVID-19 cases reported, for a rate of 373.79 cases per week per 100,000 population (High Transmission). The increase in cases corresponds with increased family gatherings over Thanksgiving, with new cases spiking 5-7 days after Thanksgiving day. Twenty-six new hospitalizations were reported in the past week.

There were 471 new first dose vaccinations given last week, with 55.9% of Fairfield County residents having received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine and 21,831 booster doses have been administered. The Fairfield County Health Department has begun vaccinating children ages 5 through 11 with the pediatric COVID-19 vaccine. They also continue to offer first and second dose vaccinations for anyone 12 and over, and COVID-19 booster doses for those eligible. The department is also offering flu shots at its clinic. Flu and COVID vaccinations can be done at the same time. Call (740) 652-2800 to schedule an appointment.

Free COVID-19 at-home test kits are available at the office.

For more information visit www.fairfieldhealth.org.

Meetings

  • The December Board of Health meeting will be held at 3 p.m. Dec. 8. The meeting will be held at the OSU Extension Office, 831 College Avenue, Lancaster, in the West Wing conference room. The public is welcome to attend, social distancing will be required.

  • There will be a TID Board Meeting of the Fairfield County Transportation District at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 9. Participants will have the option to meet at the Fairfield County Engineer’s Office; 3026 W. Fair Avenue; Lancaster, OH 43130 OR virtually by the following: To join this meeting, from your computer, tablet, or smartphone: https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/896892693 To join the meeting via phone, please call: tel:+18773092073,,896892693# Access Code: 896-892-693

This article originally appeared on Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: News briefs: Fairfield County Foundation raises $229,863 with “32-Hour Give” event