Community Engagement
For when you need help and when you want to help.
“Social distancing does not have to mean social disengagement.” Jerome M. Adams, U.S. Surgeon General
WAYS YOU CAN HELP
During this very challenging time, there are several organizations that are serving Vermonters who need our help and support. Many of us may have feelings of helplessness during this pandemic but there are very real and impactful ways that we can help, right now.
Age Well is the largest provider of Meals on Wheels in Vermont, offering nutritious meals and companionship to ensure the health and safety of Vermont seniors.
Meals on Wheels needs volunteers now more than ever. Age Well is considered an essential service and is continuing with Meals on Wheels deliveries, taking extra safety precautions. They are in need of volunteers to deliver meals and to shop for groceries, cover our food hubs, pick up medications and other essentials in Addison, Chittenden, Franklin, and Grand Isle Counties. As more and more older Vermonters are reaching out about receiving Meals on Wheels and other services, they need extra hands. Click here to learn more.
Their largest fundraising event of the year, ‘March Madness for Meals on Wheels Gala’, was cancelled due to COVID-19. They are facing a $50K+ deficit for their Meals on Wheels program. In place of the gala, they are hosting an online silent auction where many local business have generously donated prizes. All proceeds will support Meals on Wheels. Your gift on any size goes a long way to help reduce hunger and isolation.
American Red Cross – Blood Donation
The American Red Cross mission is an essential service, like hospitals, grocers, pharmacies, energy and transportation infrastructures, that will remain in service as part of the emergency preparedness plans. The need for blood is constant and patients will continue to need lifesaving blood products during this crisis. There are blood drives happening in Vermont. To find one near you, click on the link above (redcrossblood.org) and use the search tool in the upper right hand corner of the site.
The Red Cross is taking extra measures at blood donation sites to ensure your safety including:
Temperature Screenings
• All donors have their temperature taken before being permitted into the blood drive
• If a donor has a temperature greater than 99.5ºF they will be asked to donate another time instead
Enhanced Disinfecting
• Hand sanitizer will be available at check-in, health history and refreshment areas
• Blood donors will be asked to use hand sanitizer before and during the donation process
• Donor beds will be sanitized between each and every donor
Social Distancing
• We’re taking extra measures to institute medically-recommended 6ft space wherever possible
Staff Wellness and Protection
• All staff have their temperature taken before beginning work and are asked not to report for work if
they are feeling sick or test above 99.5ºF
• Staff wear gloves throughout entire blood drive, changing gloves between every donor
• Additional Personal Protective Equipment will be added as necessary
“Each day, the American Red Cross assesses the need and opportunity for additional safety precautions. The health of our staff, volunteers and donors are every bit as important to us as that of the patients we serve daily.”
Local Food Shelves
Many local food pantries are still accepting donations during COVID-19 and their need is great. Each food shelf has a list of hours and specifics, including special instructions for drop off, on their website linked below. Please consider donating.
Feeding Chittenden- Emergency Food Shelf, Burlington
State of Vermont – Volunteer to help Support Vermonters The State of Vermont is looking for volunteers to help in communities across the State that have been affected by COVID-19. Help is needed in a variety of areas and professions. Please register on the site linked above. We thank you for your help and we will get through this together!
RESOURCES
For when we need help
“The staff at Hunger Free Vermont is working diligently to ensure all Vermonters have access to the resources they need to stay healthy and nourished during this challenging time. We are preparing informational materials, collaborating with our state agencies and Vermont’s congressional delegation, and connecting with communities across Vermont to make certain we’re all prepared to mitigate the impacts of coronavirus on the food security of Vermonters, particularly older adults, working Vermonters who may lose hours and paychecks, those without access to paid leave, and families and students who will be disproportionately impacted by school closings.”
New Americans In Vermont – information about COVID-19 in 15 languages