How you can help during the COVID-19 crisis

The governor’s Stay at Home Order means many people are disconnected from their usual social circles. It’s important to continue to follow recommendations from state and federal health officials and stay home as much as possible.

However, there are many ways to feel more connected to your community while practicing social distancing—help out your neighbors safely by donating your dollars, time, or talent to COVID-19 relief efforts.

Senate President Don Harmon outlines ways you can lend a hand below:

Volunteer with Serve Illinois

Serve Illinois connects healthy volunteers with community service opportunities. During the COVID-19 outbreak, several civic and faith-based organizations, especially those organizations that focus on homelessness, meal delivery and senior citizens are in need of extra help. Find a statewide list of volunteer needs here.

Check on your family, friends, and neighbors

Seniors and immunocompromised individuals are at especially high risk during the COVID-19 outbreak. For many of them, simple errands—like going to the grocery store or the pharmacy—may put their lives in danger. Call, text, or video chat your friends and loved ones to ask how you can help. Even if they have everything they need, it could comfort them to hear a friendly voice.

Give blood

Social distancing measures have resulted in the cancellation of many blood drives in the state, but a blood shortage would only worsen the health care crisis we are facing right now. The American Red Cross is looking for healthy, eligible individuals to donate blood. Sign up to donate or volunteer here.

A blood drive will also be hosted at First United Methodist Church in Oak Park on April 20. To sign up to donate, please click here.

Assist your local food bank

With schools closed and many Illinoisans out of work, some households are running low on food. That’s why local food pantries are especially important right now.

Beyond Hunger, an Oak Park-based food pantry, is working to meet the basic needs of the community while keep people safe. The organization is not taking tangible donations at this time, but asks those willing and able to make a financial contribution. To donate, click here or call 708-386-1324.

Donate supplies to first responders

Health care workers across Illinois are in need of personal protective equipment, or PPE. If you or your business would like to donate unopened, factory-made masks, gowns, gloves, or other protective gear, contact Serve Illinois here. Note: The state is not accepting homemade supplies, but your local first responders might be able to use these items—contact them directly for more information.

Do what you can to help others in little ways, too.

• Make sure everyone has access to basic necessities by buying only what you need—no need to hoard.
• Order delivery from local restaurants or buy a gift card from your favorite boutique to keep small businesses afloat.
• Complete the census online or by mail to ensure our communities receive the funding they need.
• Stay home as much as possible to protect others from the spread of coronavirus.