Ada Regional United Way and the Pontotoc County Unified Command Group have put together a centralized location for local COVID-19 updates and volunteer opportunities. For those looking for up-to-date information regarding COVID-19 that comes directly from the source, you can check out the all-new Facebook Page located at https://www.facebook.com/PontotocCountyCOVID19Response.

“We want this to be a onestop-shop for our community members to find the information that is important to them,” ARUW Executive Director James Jackson said, ”The Facebook Page will be where all of the members of the Unified Command Group share information that is vital to the public during this current state of emergency.”

Ada Regional United Way is also hosting a COVID-19 Need Line for those who have or know someone who has a need brought on by current COVID-19 health precautions. Those with a need can call 580-332-2313 and select Option 1 to be routed to the COVID-19 Need Line. The person will need to leave a message with their name, contact information, and details of the need. The voicemail will be checked and each day needs will be posted on the ARUW Online Volunteer Center so that local volunteers can reach out to those in need.

“We wanted to find a way to coordinate all of the amazing volunteers that we have in our area,” said Mr. Jackson,” We have seen our communities rally in times of need and this is another chance for them to do that. There are people in our community that need a little help with picking up their groceries, or with small house maintenance issues. This is a way for these needs to be met.”

Volunteers who would like to get connected with current needs in the community can sign up for a free account on the Online Volunteer Center at www.adaunitedway.org/ volunteer. Once their account is set up, they can easily be connected with needs that match their interests and skillsets. The Online Volunteer Center also offers the volunteer the opportunity to track their volunteer time and print a volunteer resume. There is also a list of other agencies and needs in the community housed there for those wishing to help.

About Ada Regional United Way ARUW’s mission is to improve lives in their service area by coordinating a longlasting change in the areas of health, education and financial stability. ARUW is governed by a board of directors composed of local residents, devoted to ensuring the organization runs efficiently and effectively. The ARUW service area is comprised of Ada, Allen, Atwood, Byng, Calvin, Fittstown, Fitzhugh, Francis, Gerty, Konawa, Latta, Pickett, Pontotoc, Roff, Sasakwa, Stonewall, Stratford, Tupelo, and Vanoss.

About the Pontotoc County Unfied Command Group

The Unified Command Group (UCG) is a strategic decision-making body for emergency and disaster response in Pontotoc County, Oklahoma. The group is comprised of representatives from Pontotoc County Emergency Management, local city governments, the local United Way, and any other agencies deemed necessary for the task. The UCG provides a unified and coordinated approach to emergency incident management, enabling institutions and agencies with different legal, geographic and functional responsibilities to coordinate, plan and interact effectively.