Former President Jimmy Carter is calling for donors to his nonprofit organization to redirect their contributions to local groups working to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

The former president, his wife, Rosalynn, and their grandson, Jason, who serves as chairman of The Carter Center’s board of trustees, asked those wishing to make a donation to the organization to “forgo your next gift for the work of The Carter Center and direct it to a local group that is reducing the suffering caused by this pandemic.”

“Each of us asks you to concentrate on the needs of your family, friends, neighbors, and all in your community. Your commitment will help stop this threat,” the three said in a letter to donors sent out on Tuesday.

So far, more than 417,500 cases of the virus have been reported worldwide, as well as more than 18,600 deaths and nearly 107,400 recoveries, according to the latest John Hopkins University data.

While scientists are still working to learn more about the virus, for which a vaccine has yet to be found, health experts and officials across the country have urged the public to avoid unnecessary travel and large gatherings in the weeks ahead to limit the spread of the virus in the U.S., where over 53,600 cases have been reported.

In their letter to donors on Tuesday, the Carters wrote, “Though the behaviors of COVID-19 are not fully known, what we do know makes it a global threat to our physical and economic health.”

 “We all have every confidence that we will come together as a nation and overcome this invisible threat,” they continued. “This virus and its impact must be addressed at every level of government and society.” 

“Each of us is gratified at the examples of volunteers and community organizations that have quickly mobilized to help those in need,” they added.