Aiding those in need

Worried about the impact of coronavirus in your community? Here’s how you can lend a hand

Maryland officials continue to implore residents this week to wash their hands, maintain social distancing and disinfect surfaces in an effort to help slow the spread of the new coronavirus.

Even with the latest, stay at home order from Gov. Larry Hogan amid the COVID-19 pandemic, his office on service and volunteerism has compiled a list of civic-minded ways Marylanders can help during the outbreak.

Many organizations are looking for help in the form of nonperishable food items, financial assistance and volunteers. Some organizations are calling for medical contributions like donating blood as thousands of drives across the state have been canceled.

Here are some local organizations that are asking for help:

Maryland Food Bank has issued an urgent call for volunteers between the ages of 13 and 60 to pack up boxes containing 30 pounds of food for distribution to pantries and community organizations across the state for the remainder of the public health crisis.

The Red Cross is asking people to make an appointment to donate blood at a center by going to RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-900-RED-CROSS.

Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland delivers two fresh mails daily to residents in need. The organization is looking for financial assistance and volunteers. All volunteer orientations have been converted to webinars.

The World Health Organization’s COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund uses donations to fight the outbreak including by distributing supplies to frontline health workers and enabling countries to boost laboratory capacity through training and equipment.

Baltimore Community ToolBank is accepting donations that will allow the organization to continue to loan various tools including tables and chairs to health professionals and first responders.

Financial donations can be made on Facebook or on the Mighty Cause website.

Governor’s Office on Service and Volunteerism is asking organization with the capacity to coordinate volunteers and or those with a volunteer opportunity for Marylanders, please email gosv.md@maryland.gov.

Baltimore-area restaurants were hit hard after Hogan ordered all eateries and bars to halt on

LLOYD FOX/BALTIMORE SUN Volunteers Paul Bell, from left, Izzy Hettleman, Julie Hettleman, Jenn Steinhardt and Lee Ann Reich help load food into cars March 13 at the Baltimore Hunger Project.

DAVID ANDERSON/BALTIMORE SUN The Red Cross is asking people to make an appointment to donate blood at a center by going to RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-900-RED-CROSS during the pandemic.