$80,000 donated to help with Tri-Citians hurting from COVID

Battelle is giving another $80,000 to nonprofits providing support for those who are hungry or need help with mental health in the Tri-Cities area because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

It is the second major donation the not-for-profit company has made to help Tri-Cities area residents who are in need because of the coronavirus.

In March Battelle directed more than $103,000 to food banks and other help organizations mostly in the Mid-Columbia and some in Sequim, Wash.

Battelle has operated Pacific Northwest National Laboratory’s primary site for the Department of Energy in Richland for 55 years and also operates some satellite offices, including the one in Sequim.

“This is a difficult time for all of us but some in our communities are facing special challenges,” said Steven Ashby, PNNL director and Battelle senior vice president. “Many have been hard-hit financially and are struggling to afford basics such as food and healthcare, while others are combating fear, anxiety and stress.”

The $80,000 donation will go to the United Way of Benton and Franklin Counties and the Three Rivers Community Foundation. The donation to the foundation will be made through All In WA, a statewide COVID-19 relief effort.

Both donations are eligible to be considered for matching contributions through All in WA, which could bring the donation to as much as $160,000.

Also, Battelle has been purchasing meals for first responders through local catering services and its employees have been making additional donations to help Tri-Cities-area residents.

About 60 of PNNL’s top scientists and engineers, designated as ‘fellows,” have personally donated $10,000 to All in Tri-Cities.

“There are so many in need locally,” said Bob Wright, chairman of PNNL Council of Fellows. “We encourage all who can to join us and help by donating to local organizations that will provide needed food and supplies, or access to care that will keep people healthy and safe during this global health crisis.”

Those wanting to join Battelle or its Fellows at PNNL in giving can do so through the All in Tri-Cities website at https://www.allintricities.org, All In WA at www.AllinWa.org or the Three Rivers Community Foundation at http://3rcf.org/donations.