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Ways to Help during COVID-19


By now, we are all settling into our Stay-in-Place routines.  I have had several people ask me how they can volunteer or help others during this time.

Here are some areas of need:

1. Pick up litter

April 4th would have been the date for Cary’s Spring Litter Sweep, a time when teams of volunteers target areas for clean-up.  Due to social distancing, the Sweep was canceled this year.  But, we can all make up for this cancelation by doing our little part to clean up.  And, when better to help beautify our community than when we are looking for things to do outdoors?  Don some gloves and take a trash bag with you on your next walk.  Just be sure to wash your hands when you get back home!

2. Drop off food donations to Dorcas Ministries

The Dorcas Food Pantry on High House Road is open and seeking donations 9 am – 3 pm Monday through Saturday (at the Food Pantry door at the front of the building).  As you can imagine, there has been an increase in demand for the food pantry.  Here is a list of food staples and cleaning supplies that are needed:

·       Saltines
·       Sugar
·       Canned Mix Vegetables
·       Canned Carrots
·       Meat – ground beef, ground turkey, chicken
·       Canned Meat
·       Milk
·       Peanut Butter
·       Jelly
·       Chef Boyardee meals
·       Toothpaste
·       Toothbrush
·       Paper Towels
·       Laundry Detergent
·       Condiments: Ketchup, Mustard, Salad Dressing
·       Cleaning Supplies, such as Clorox Wipes, 409, sanitizers
·       Grocery Store Gift Cards

If you are interested in coordinating a food drive in your neighborhood, you can contact Kathy by email or call 919-469-9861, ext 204 for further information.

If you are unable to pick up food and supplies on your family’s next grocery run, you can also donate funds for the Food Pantry at: https://dorcascary.org/donations/

3. Help a senior citizen

A trip to the grocery store or pharmacy can be a dangerous point of exposure for senior citizens.  Even with extra early hours at Harris Teeter (6-8 am on Mondays and Thursdays), Publix (7-8 am on Tuesdays and Wednesdays) and Target (8-9 am on Wednesdays) for senior citizens, there are many that feel it is safest to stay home.  If you are able to pick up groceries or prescriptions for a neighbor, let him or her know.  Or, post your offer to help on Nextdoor.

Stay healthy and safe!

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