April - National Volunteer Month: How to get involved within your community during a Pandemic

Unfortunately, with COVID-19 and social distancing, getting involved in the community is inherently more challenging. Don’t let this be an excuse not to get involved; there are still plenty ways to lend a helping hand. With a few hours of your time, you can easily help those in need, create a stronger community and grow long-term relationships with others. I am sure you are wondering, if I can’t go places to help, what can I do? ñ        Volunteer Virtually: Here are a few sites where you can find openings locally or simply power up the Google machine to find opportunities. o   HandsOn Twin Cities o   Red Cross o   www.urbanventures.org/volunteer ñ        Buy local: Our small businesses need some love! Support local/small businesses to give them the opportunity to re-open their doors when it is time! One way to do this is ordering takeout to help restaurants. ñ        If you can, donate to your favorite charities. Many foundations are moving at lightning speed to help vulnerable populations and could use the donations more than ever. ñ        Give Blood: Blood drives have been cancelled which has left the Red Cross facing a shortage in blood to support patients in need. With the website below, you can find a location in your area to make an appointment. o   https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/find-drive ñ        Sew Face Masks: If you have a sewing machine and fabric laying around…it’s that easy. There so many organizations looking for donations to provide to healthcare workers, at risk individuals and others in need. Here are a few organizations looking for donations: Local Fire Departments, Nexus Family Healing, Dakota County Social Services, Pride Institute, Bethesda CoVid Hospital - for families of patients discharged, Allina Mental Health and Addiction. o   No-Sew Face Mask o   Sewing Face Masks o   If you don’t want to make masks and have elastic let me know…I know a lot of awesome gals who can use some! We have homework to do…Ready, Set, Go!! Stay Healthy & Safe! Career Kate