(STURGIS) – A Sturgis business is stepping up to help residents affected by coronavirus.

GT Independence has committed $100,000 to provide relief to the community of Sturgis during this situation. The Sturgis Area Community Foundation had established the Sturgis Community Emergency Hardship Fund. In addition to GT Independence's contribution, the Foundation has put up an additional $50,000.

This new fund will focus on helping local workers who have been impacted by community wide quarantining measures. This includes individuals who have lost jobs or working hours, and who have encountered other financial hardships due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Along with the Emergency Hardship Fund, Foundation affiliates the White Pigeon and Constantine Area Community Foundations, are issuing $25,000 in emergency grants to the St. Joseph County United Way to provide similar aid to residents of White Pigeon and Constantine. Funding is being made possible through White Pigeon's Adele M. Gray Fund and Constantine's Edwin and Marguerite Haines Memorial Fund.

Sturgis Area Community Foundation Executive Director Lindsay Richardson says Emergency Hardship Grant Applications will be available on Wednesday, March 25. You can get them on the Foundation's website. Click Here. Or on the United Way's website. Click Here.

The Three Rivers Area Community Foundation will also open an emergency relief fund, committing $10,000 to provide aid to residents of Three Rivers. Local businesses and individuals who would like to help are encouraged to contribute.