As social distancing practices are being encouraged, many of us are grappling with the question: How does a community come together in a time when we can’t physically be together?
Here are a few things you can still do to help your family and your community:
- Connect with your family, family, & neighbors by phone, text or on-line
- If you are Young and Healthy, offer to deliver groceries to the most vulnerable
- Volunteer or donate to a local food bank
- Donate Blood
If you would like to volunteer time to support the emergency you can visit the 211 website:
www.211cc.org
to search for up to date information and opportunities.
There is a severe blood donation shortage across the country. The coronavirus outbreak has led to the cancellation of at least 2,700 blood drives nationally, which means 86,000 fewer donations.
The Red Cross
has put new safety measures in place that will make donors confident in the safety of collection sites and ensure that all staff are protected.
If you are eligible and healthy, you can find your nearest blood donation center
by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS or
through the
American Red Cross
website
at
redcross.org/local/california/northern-california.
The Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano
is remaining open. To learn how you can help or to donate go to
www.foodbankccs.org.
Food banks are designated “essential businesses” so this means they will remain open during this shelter in place. They will continue to serve the community.
The Food Bank needs healthy people not displaying any symptoms of being sick or living with anyone who is sick,
to sign up for volunteer shifts go to
volunteer.foodbankccs.org/calendar.
If you have a neighbor or a friend or anyone you think is high-risk, ask them how you can help, possibly by picking up medications, or with their groceries.
If you're healthy, you can help you can be part of the solution.