You can help from home for Day of Caring
COVID-19 continues to change ways that people can volunteer, but it’s not stopping those who want to help others in need.
The United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania has cooked up a special “Day of Caring” for which people can create and contribute one or more needed items:
• “I care” cards — short notes of encouragement for seniors who may feel isolated and lonely.
• Personal protection pack — face masks, disinfectant wipes, disposable gloves and hand sanitizer sealed in a gallon-sized plastic bag — to help families and seniors stay safe.
• Baby supplies pack — sizes 2-6 diapers, a package of wipes and a bottle of hand sanitizer.
• Summer activity kits — coloring books, bubbles, crayons, markers and pens sealed in a gallonsized plastic bag.
United Way will collect these donations from 9 a.m. to noon June 20 at contact-free collection points at its offices in Allegheny, Butler and Westmoreland counties — 1300 Liberty Ave., Downtown (15222), 407 W. Jefferson St., Butler (16001) and 1101 Old Salem Road #101, Greensburg (15601). The organization will then distribute them through its partner agencies.
This virtual Day of Caring allows people to help while keeping everyone safe, says Wendy Koch, United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania’s director of volunteer engagement. “COVID-19 forced us to find new and innovative ways to engage our volunteer community, and more and more people are asking how they can help.”
If you’re interested in helping, sign up at uwswpa.org/a-specialday-of-caring-2020. The agency would appreciate if participants share their projects on social media using the hashtag #UnitedWayCares.