How to Volunteer During Covid-19
With COVID-19 affecting our world and everyday lives, you may be wondering how you can best continue to volunteer in your community and beyond, while following best practices for the health and safety of yourself and others. “Social distancing” and “self-quarantine” are terms we are all coming to learn, so are exploring and collecting ideas to help you serve in a responsible manner during compromising times. If you have ideas to share, email us!
Please be sure to read our best practices for volunteering, and always follow current guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH). To view the most current Executive Orders from the State of Georgia, click here. We will continue to update pages related to COVID-19 as warranted.
Crisis Volunteering
Unique and urgent times require unique and urgent response which we cannot deny. As caring beings, we want to help. Stay connected with local agencies (like HOTC, Red Cross, Archbold, Thomas County EMA) which can alert the community to specific and unique needs and how the collective community can respond in a safe, organized and effective manner – whether it is outreach, collection drives, or action.
- Donate Blood. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has stated that the coronavirus does not pose any known risk to healthy blood donors during the donation process. This will be by appointment only to ensure social distancing guidelines are followed. Make an appointment with Oneblood here. Take a look at their safety measures here.
- Sew Masks and other items for Healthcare Professionals. If you can sew and want to help make masks, and possibly other items, for the selfless front-line healthcare professionals treating COVID-19 patients, there are several efforts you can assist:
Important Notes: 1) Many of these efforts are being headed by individuals, just like you. Please be patient and understanding. 2) Masks should be from a smoke and pet-free home. 3) Donations of fabric, elastic, thread and other sewing items are needed! Email us to help.
In Thomas County, individuals are making masks to distribute to healthcare facilities and agencies not affiliated with Archbold. Find the current pattern/style here. Please drop finished masks in the black bin outside Vital Signs. Fabric and elastic are available to sewing volunteers. To volunteer, donate resources, or request masks for an organization, click here.
Archbold has established a contact line for those interested in helping with sewing and other needs for their facilities. Materials and instructions are provided. Gift cards for meals for employees are also being accepted.
Please call the Archbold Foundation at 228-2924, Monday – Friday.
Please be sure to read our best practices for volunteering, and always follow current guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH). To view the most current Executive Orders from the State of Georgia, click here. We will continue to update pages related to COVID-19 as warranted.
Virtual Volunteering
- Help blind and low-vision people lead more independent lives – https://www.bemyeyes.com/
- Make blankets for kids and others. If you sew, crochet, or are crafty, here are some ideas – https://binkypatrol.org/index.cfm Note: These can also be distributed to local Thomas County non-profits. HOTC will be happy to help.
- Transcribe documents for the Smithsonian – https://transcription.si.edu/
- Be a digital advocate for local non-profits by sharing their needs, events, and mission on social media. Just pick one (or more!), join them on social media, visit their websites, share their stories and posts, sign up for their email lists, or donate! – https://www.handsonthomascounty.org/non-profit-directory/
- Send Letters of Love to our local senior citizens. With no visitors allowed in nursing care and assisted-living facilities, it’s important to show we care. Help lift spirits and fight loneliness by writing a local senior citizen a letter or sending a happy drawing! Learn more here.
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Send encouragement to healthcare workers. Archbold is requesting drawings, notes or encouraging words to share them with medical staff to let them know just how much they are appreciated. Only electronic submissions can be accepted at healthcareheroes@archbold.org.
As more and more it is recommended to simply stay home as able, here is a link to some other virtual volunteering ideas.
Got to get out and about?
- Track bird populations in your own backyard – https://ebird.org/home
- Do a litter clean-up around your block. All you need is a trash bag and gloves, and a little social distancing!
- Help a neighbor with yard work, meals, or just to bring a smile. It is always a good time to take care of our own! Just remember recommended best practices.
- Socialize with dogs and cats or foster an animal. Donations of food also welcome! – www.misskittysanctuary.com or www.thomasvillehumane.org
Traditional Volunteering
There is always a need to serve vulnerable populations in our community. The need for hands-on volunteers does not go away in times of crisis, but actually increases, as vital services and items are potentially delayed or unavailable. However, it is important that non-profits and volunteers address these needs and issues in a manner that does not put anyone involved at risk, and always follow current guidelines from the CDC, GDPH, and other local agencies. At this time, solo and small group volunteering are still happening, but please check with each non-profit partner to confirm, and respect their health and safety practices. During this time, HOTC will continue to list and promote select volunteer needs, but please understand, that events, projects, and activities may be limited, cancelled or rescheduled.
