Emergency fund launched for county's farmworkers

United Way of Ventura County and the Ventura County Community Foundation have established an emergency fund to benefit farmworkers in Ventura County displaced due to the recent freeze that damaged local crops.

Each organization has agreed to contribute $20,000 as seed money for the "Freeze Fund," according to David M. Smith, president and CEO of United Way, and Hugh Ralston, president and CEO of the foundation. A local grower has also contributed $1,000 to the fund.

Individuals, businesses and companies may contribute to the fund, which provides relief in the form of eviction prevention, food, utility assistance and incidentals.

Contributions to the fund can be sent to United Way or the foundation. All money collected will be distributed to organizations in the county that are assisting those impacted. No administrative fee will be applied.

Contributions to the fund can be made to VCCF at 1317 Del Norte Road, Ste. 150, Camarillo, CA 93010, (805) 988-0196; or the United Way at 1317 Del Norte Road, Ste. 100, Camarillo, CA 93010, (805) 485-6288.

For more information, call Susan Englund at United Way, (805) 485-6288, ext. 226; or Tina Knight at the foundation, (805) 988-0196, ext. 120.