Volunteers are needed in Berrien County to help the coronavirus response efforts. Gillian Conrad with the Berrien County Health Department says it’s being coordinated by the United Way of Southwest Michigan.
“At this moment, there aren’t necessarily tasks to assign,” Conrad tells WSJM News. “So we are making an open call for volunteers to be on call, or on standby, to help with a variety of tasks like maybe food distribution, cleaning, laundry.”
Donations are also solicited from residents who can contribute supplies, materials, or funds to the organizations fighting the virus. Donations received through the UWSM will benefit organizations and facilities that serve vulnerable/at-risk populations who are unable to source supplies on their own, and are still serving people in-person with the possibility of close physical contact. Those can be dropped off starting Monday. To sign up to volunteer, visit the United Way of Southwest Michigan’s website.
Starting on Monday, April 13th, donations can be dropped off at the United Way of Southwest Michigan office at 2015 Lakeview Avenue in St. Joseph, Michigan on Mondays from 3:00PM-5:00PM and Fridays from 10:00AM-12:00PM. The following items are especially needed:
Clothing
New, clean socks and underwear
Scrubs, new or gently used
New PPE/Medical Supplies
N95/Surgical Masks
Isolation masks
Handmade masks
Masks with face shield/visor
Face shields
Goggles/safety glasses
Gloves
Thermometers
Disposable medical gowns
Ponchos
New Cleaning Supplies
Bleach wipes
Hand Sanitizer
Food Items
Shelf stable snacks
Shelf stable microwaveable meals
New Hygiene Items (Travel Size/Disposable)
Soap
Shampoo
Toothbrushes
Toothpaste
Deodorant
Feminine care products
Shaving cream
Razors
