John,Nearly a month into our national efforts to stop the spread of coronavirus, we are all adjusting to significant lifestyle and work changes. While everyone is impacted by this current crisis, some in our communities are being affected by this virus more than others. During times like this, it’s critical that we come together and help those in need of support. While Stand Up Republic remains hyper-focused on strengthening our democracy, a cause that has taken on increased importance, we find ourselves wanting to do even more to help others in this time of need. To that end, we’ve put together a number of ways that we all can help our communities. Please note that your health and safety is a priority. Please always follow the advice of local, state and federal health authorities, and if you are sick or are at a higher risk from the coronavirus please stay home and stay healthy.But if you are able to help, here are some things that you can do, including some actions you can take from the safety of your home.Offer to help those who cannot leave their homesYou can print and distribute these Coronavirus Helper Cards to your neighbors who may be self-isolating or unable to leave their homes for other reasons and offer to provide them with assistance.   Coordinate in your communityCreate a Phone tree - Phone trees are an easy way to quickly reach many people by assigning a few people a list of families to contact. You can create or utilize an existing phone tree in your community from school lists, PTAs, faith institutions, or civic organizations. Phone trees can be used to:Check-in on people. Communicate with the elderly and people who live alone, as they may be lonely. Help older people with food and other goods deliveries (they might not know how to use online delivery services).Offer to deliver food and other necessities to people who are unable to leave their homes. Pay special attention to anyone you know who has a history of mental illness. Social distancing can be quite tough for some people, especially those who may already be suffering from depression.As we are all engaged in social distancing, phone trees can also be a great way for everyone in your community to just stay in touch.  Organize a blood driveThere is a critical need for blood donations right now. Encourage people to donate blood if they are healthy. Many blood banks are requesting that you schedule an appointment to help maintain social distancing and to allow the staff to sanitize the area between donors. You can make an appointment online at www.redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS.  Coordinate a day to order take-out or deliveryRestaurants and restaurant staff are really hurting right now with social distancing protocols in place. Coordinate with your network to support local restaurants by ordering takeout once or twice a week.If you don’t feel comfortable ordering out, you can buy a gift card from a local restaurant to use in the future.   Volunteer at your local food bankMany food banks currently have more work than they can handle and are in need of volunteers. If you are healthy, consider volunteering at your local food bank and make a difference for those in need.Do a search for food banks in your area.Contact your local food bank and see how you can help.Many food banks prefer that their volunteers schedule their volunteer hours, others take volunteers on a first-come, first-served basis. Communicating beforehand will help you know what to expect and how you can best volunteer.  Make homemade masksIf sewing is a talent of yours (or if you’ve always wanted an excuse to learn) call on volunteers to sew homemade masks. Homemade masks are not a replacement for certified medical masks, but the CDC and others recommend they be worn by anyone going out in public, and may be useful for frontline workers and at-risk individuals who cannot get professional masks.Here are some resources on how to make masks.Contact local hospitals and medical centers to see if they are accepting donated homemade masks. Remember, if you make and use a mask made of cotton, wash it frequently between uses. These are trying times but if we band together we will get through this together. If you are able to help in your community please do so. Something as simple as a regular check-in with an elderly neighbor can make a huge difference. We hope you and your families are staying safe and healthy. Thank you for doing your part to help your community during these uncertain times. It is in moments such as these, we are stronger together and we thank you for doing what you can to help your community. Please feel free to share this email with others who may be interested. —Stand Up RepublicPaid for by Stand Up Republic, Inc.Stand Up Republic
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