How you can help
Volunteer Opportunities to Fight Covid-19
In unprecedented and uncertain times like these, the eagerness and compassion of Dana people to make a difference in the fight against Covid-19 is evident.
While Dana as a company is taking a number of steps to combat the virus – whether through the manufacture of medical devices or by making charitable contributions to non-profit organizations – many have asked what they and their families can do individually, especially in an era of social distancing.
Below are some volunteer opportunities for consideration. It is up to you and your family to decide how you want to respond to the needs in our communities, but these are a few options that address some of the greatest needs.
Give Blood
The American Red Cross faces a severe blood shortage due to an unprecedented number of blood drive cancellations. Healthy individuals are needed now to donate to help patients counting on lifesaving blood.
Across our country, more than 4,500 blood drives have been cancelled, with an estimated 150,000 units of blood that could go uncollected.
Individuals can schedule an appointment to give blood with the American Red Cross by visiting www.redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED-CROSS.
See how the Red Cross is taking precautions to safely collect blood during the Coronavirus outbreak and a letter from the American Red Cross Medical Director detailing that it is safe to give blood at this time.
Donate to the Red Cross
The American Red Cross is on the forefront of investigating convalescent plasma in the fight against Covid-19, and the organization is also gearing up for a greater need of disaster relief. The Dana Charitable Foundation recently made a gift to the American Red Cross. Dana people willing to do the same can use this link: https://www.redcross.org/donate/cm/danainc-emp.html/
Pack Resources Kits
Utilize the United Way 2-1-1 program to identify needs in your area. In Northwest Ohio, go to www.211nwo.org. Those in plant communities can use this list to identify their local United Way. Click the “community resource database,” and search for shelters or food pantries near you by simply typing in your ZIP Code. Reach out and see what products or types of kits they might need. In addition to food, many locations also need hygiene items, paper products, or cleaning kits that you could assemble at home.
Many other local nonprofits have great wish lists on their websites. As you’re doing your spring cleaning, keep those items in mind for donation to your favorite charities.
Donate PPE to Hospitals
Hospitals and health-care systems are in desperate need of PPE and other items to be donated or manufactured. Chose a health-care provider near you, but this link provides details of the items most needed.
Create Face Masks
Click here to find details on how to make masks that our front line medical personnel desperately. You can also go to the Joann Fabrics website for how-to instructions and availability of free supplies.
No-contact Food Delivery
Many religious organizations are offering different types of help to senior citizens who are housebound. Some churches are providing grocery pick-up and delivery for seniors and leaving items on their porch. Contact your community religious organization(s) to see if they are doing something similar.
Trained Crisis Counselor
Consider volunteering to be a trained crisis counselor, as there is an increased need due to the stress and anxiety many individuals are experiencing at this time. You can provide support virtually, and web-based training is available here.
Virtual Visits with Local Senior Citizens
Contact an area senior facility or nursing home to see if they have any residents that could use a virtual visit such as a phone call or a video message.
Virtual Tutoring
Use your skills and talents to offer virtual tutoring for students of family and friends. Many parents who are now “homeschooling” would appreciate the break and your expertise.
Be a Social Media Champion
Share these and other volunteer opportunities on social media or to private groups that you are part of. Non-profit organizations rely on word-of-mouth communication to get volunteers and needed items. There is strength in your words.
Promote 2-1-1
Help our community learn that, by contacting 2-1-1, they can get 24/7 referral access to food for children while school is out, information on food pantries, financial assistance, and access to thousands of other health and human services.
United Way 2-1-1 is free and can be reached by dialing 2-1-1, texting your ZIP Code to 898-211, or using the chat feature at www.211nwo.org.
Walkabout Clean-up
As you venture outside and take a walk during the day, take a bag with you to pick up trash or other seasonal “treasures” that need to be removed and put in their proper place.
Signs and Messages
Many neighbors have created wonderful signs with messages of encouragement and well wishes to share with first responders and neighbors who are home-bound. Get out your poster board, scrap paper, markers, and crayons and unleash your creative talent to give someone else a smile!
Social Media Family Friendly Support
Neighborhoods and communities are doing fun “seek and find” activities with children as they’re out walking. Teddy bear hunt is a current one out there. Participate by adding to the community fun when you can!
Charitable Contributions
Many local nonprofit organizations that provide support for our community have never encountered such a great need. Organizations that provide health care, food, and shelter are the most hard hit right now.