The novel coronavirus that produced COVID-19 has been in the news for more than 100 days. Our community experienced its first local loss to COVID on March 19. Earlier that week, Whatcom Unified Command (WUC) was activated to mitigate and prevent the spread, support the community’s most vulnerable populations, provide for first responders and healthcare workers, and to enable continuity of essential services.
Almost immediately, WUC established a Donations Center to receive and distribute vital materials. Just as swiftly, citizens responded to meet the need.
“This community is amazing,” said Wally Kost, WUC Logistics Section chief. “The outpouring of response in the first month of the pandemic got us over the hump.”
Kost said that initial needs included funds to activate the WUC facility, including software and materials, and personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare workers and first responders.
Since that time, regular supply chains have been reestablished for healthcare and other agencies for PPE and other needs. As well, initial competition for supplies locally has diminished as more normal purchase patterns resumed. As a result, the WUC Donation Center will be decommissioned at 6 p.m. Sunday, May 17.
While the Donations Center will close, a series of ballot boxes designated as drop-off sites for hand-sewn masks remain open, including a new location in downtown Bellingham.
• Bellingham County Courthouse, 201 Grand Avenue
• Deming library, 5044 Mount Baker Highway
• Blaine Library, 610 3rd Street
• Lynden Library, 216 4th Street
• Ferndale City Hall, 2095 Main Street
• Sudden Valley, Security Gate One
To make a donation, please email WUC_Donations@co.whatcom.wa.us.