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24 Mar HOW THE AVERAGE PERSON CAN HELP

Posted at 11:44h in News by

HOW THE AVERAGE PERSON CAN HELP

By Liana Toscanini

Many people may be wondering how they can help those suffering from the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nonprofits are mobilizing and a variety of opportunities to volunteer and donate are being set up. There are things you can do right now in the meantime.

Frontline agencies like Volunteers in Medicine and Berkshire Food Project are requesting gift cards to grocery stores and retailers as an easy way to provide food and other necessities to those in need over the next few critical weeks. Berkshire United Way is collecting the names of people who want to volunteer, which could include dropping off meals or medications to the homebound, check-in phone calls, or childcare. Contact BerkshireUW@gmail.com or 413-442-6948 X 18.

You can also donate directly to your favorite nonprofits to help keep them going, and to emergency funds set up for individuals, businesses, and nonprofits through Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation and Berkshire United Way. If you would like to talk more about your options for helping, call the Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires at 413 441-9542.

Liana Toscanini, Executive Director/Nonprofit Center of the Berkshires

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

How to Make a Donation:
  • Food pantries are running out of food. You can drop food off, donate cash or gift cards. Visit The Greylock Glass Food Resources Map & Calendar. View a list of food pantries, meal sites, school programs and diaper programs here: Food Assistance in Berkshire County.
  • Donate money to the COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund for Berkshire County
    • The COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund will prioritize 501c3 organizations serving Berkshire County in these areas:
      • Improving access to food for children and youth,
      • Increased demand for early childcare and after school programming,
      • Increased demand for services for the elderly,
      • Increased support for the homeless population,
      • Increased demand for medical services for uninsured or undocumented individuals.
How to Volunteer:
Stay Informed and Connected: