This content was originally published by the Longmont Observer and is licensed under a Creative Commons license.
Low-Risk Volunteers Needed
By Pamela Curtis
I am so proud of Longmont! The lockdown has not hurt the spirit of this city, but rather has seen that spirit rise. Walking around my neighborhood these days (mask on, of course), I have witnessed signs of support for local health workers, window decorations encouraging folks to stay strong, sidewalk chalk art, and people still give a friendly wave from their yards and porches. The response to the call to wear masks, social distancing, and the 8 p.m. outdoor cheers go up enthusiastically.
Yet as the shelter-at-home orders continue, many families, especially the elderly, those who used to work in service industry jobs, and workers at now-shuttered small businesses, are feeling the pinch. Local food banks have seen record-setting sign-ups, with both volunteers and donations desperately needed. Donations to and volunteering with food banks are considered Support for an Essential Service and thus are exempt from the shelter-at-home order. So if you’re getting a little bit of late-season cabin fever, here are some opportunities to get out of the house for a good cause!
Carry-Out Caravan, a part of Cultivate, is in great need of local volunteers to pick up and deliver groceries to seniors, as they have seen their caseload double. Until recently, route drivers would pick up the orders at the store, but as of three weeks ago, the orders go first to another building to be wiped down and disinfected and volunteer drivers pick up the orders there. Go to https://cultivate.ngo/engage/volunteer to start the registration process, or call 303-443-1933.
St. John the Baptist Food Pantry is in need of food donations of canned fruits/vegetables/soup, cereal, peanut butter, and dry pasta. Take donations of food to their warehouse at 804 S. Lincoln Street or at the Parish at 323 Collyer St.
The Our Center is in extreme need of volunteers, and has had to change their food distribution hours because of the loss of help. Lunch is now served via a drive-through system only, from noon to 1:00 p.m. daily. Groceries are now available via a drive-through system Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to noon and Tuesdays from 1:00 to 5:30 p.m. Participants are eligible to come for groceries once per week to supplement their food needs and their budget. Resource Specialists will continue to be available by phone (303-772-5529) weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Donations of food, toiletries, and cash are being accepted weekdays 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the south-side receiving door at 220 Collyer Street.
The Round Pantry at Westview Presbyterian Church is in need of volunteers for Tuesday, April 14, please sign up if you can help https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050f45adaa2f4-round3
For the health of our community, volunteers should be able to answer "No" to the following questions:
- Do you feel ill or have symptoms such as body aches, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, tiredness/lethargy, diarrhea, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties or cough? (Even if the cough is chronic or pre-existing, many places ask that you not volunteer.)
- Do you have a fever, even a low-grade fever?
- Have you been in contact with someone who has the virus?
- Have you traveled anywhere by plane in the last month?
- Is anyone in your household immune-suppressed?
Additional volunteer questions and registration requirements may apply.
Let’s keep up the good work, Longmont! We have both the will and the heart to get through this, and all of our community members through this, together!
