COLORADO SPRINGS — From goods to time, local organizations need both from volunteers who want to help during the coronavirus pandemic. The stockpiling has been so intense at grocery stores that some food banks have seen significant decreases in donations from them.
The staff at the Fresh Start Food Bank say they are seeing the exact same thing happen to their pantry as well.
"We need pastas, pasta sauces, cereal, and just the things that people have stocked up on to see that their able to get through, " said Executive Director Grant Winger.
If you can deliver food, Silver Key Senior Services could use your set of wheels and hands.
Below are the volunteer opportunities with Silver Key.
Monday through Friday
· Kitchen help to box up meals daily from 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
· Kitchen help preparing side dishes for the next day, daily from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
· Food Pantry help bagging up groceries for pick-up and delivery, daily from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
· Senior Assistance needs help with calls of reassurance, daily any time between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
· Meals on Wheels/Home delivered Meals in your own vehicle and in pairs, daily 10 a.m. to 1p.m. depending on how many deliveries
There's still the issue of social distancing and volunteering in person may not be advisable in some instances. If you can work remotely, you can also volunteer remotely too.
"My 211 director checked the times from Monday from 8 a.m. to 3 [p.m.], and compared them to last Monday, and we have a 150% increase in calls just from last Monday," said Annie Snead, director of Marketing and Public Relations.
Another way you can volunteer is role up your sleeves and give blood. Yes, you can still do this!
According to the American Red Cross, as of Monday 2,700 blood drives were canceled, and blood banks have fewer than 86,000 donations.
This blood shortage could affect patients who need surgery, victims of car accidents and other emergencies, or patients suffering from cancer.
If giving blood or volunteering for a local pantry is not an option, you can always give. A monetary donation, big or small, can help organizations help others.
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