Helping Others During COVID-19

At this time of uncertainty there are some things that are certain: we need to look out for each other. We can lean on each other (even with social distancing). We are stronger together.
 
One of InSite Architects’ core values is to not just work in communities, but to serve them. In looking for a way to give back we compiled a list of opportunities to help others. We share these with you in hopes that people can both get the help they need and find comfort in being able to help others during these uncertain times.
 
We believe making our communities better and igniting change goes beyond improving neighborhoods through great design. Together we can make a difference!

​Opportunities to help others:

SENIORS

• Help At Your Door provides services for seniors and people with disabilities throughout the Twin Cities metro area. This can include help with grocery shopping and storage, home cleaning and repair, and transportation. 
• Residents at Jones-Harrison, a senior residence near Cedar Lake, are unable to participate in group activities or have visitors during the pandemic. The facility is requesting donations like magazines, books, crafting materials, puzzles, DVDs, CDs, CD players with speakers, sudoku and crossword puzzle books, and coloring books. The front desk will accept donations.
  This may be the case at your local senior living center, too!
• Metro Meals on Wheels is looking for on-call volunteers in case of a volunteer shortage. They are accepting new customers and people can enroll in the service here. Meals are available on a short-term and long-term basis, Donations are also being accepted.

FOOD

• Sheridan Story is a food program that strives to feed children when school lunches are not available. The organization has 30,000 bags of food ready to give to children in need in 31 different school districts this week. They hope to get donations and volunteers to double that by the end of the month. 
• Second Harvest Heartland is the second largest food bank in the country and are trying to put together 100,000 emergency food boxes.  Second Harvest has a food warehouse waiting for volunteers and are also looking for donations. 
• Open Arms of Minnesota provides medically tailored and shelf stable foods to people living with life threatening illnesses who often also have compromised immune systems. They are in need of donations and are adding new volunteer shifts.

BLOOD AND PLATELET DONATION

• Memorial Blood Centers has an urgent need for more people to donate blood and platelets. They ask that potential donors self-screen before making an appointment. Check the guidelines or call their helpline if you are unsure if you should donate.
• The American Red Cross has also reported a large shortage of donations due to a large number of blood drive cancellations. Find their guidelines and make an appointment to donate here.

ON YOUR OWN

• Write letters and create cards for residents at nursing homes and other assisted living facilities that are closed to visitors to help brighten their day.
• Drop off puzzles and other games at senior living facilities and nursing homes (please call first to coordinate!) so residents have something to help pass the time.
• Offer to help people who are quarantined with grocery shopping or picking up prescription on neighborhood Facebook groups and Nextdoor.