Florida’s statewide stay-at-home order, in response to the coronavirus pandemic, is in effect. Residents will only be able to leave their homes for essential activities and only go to work if they work at an essential business. Thousands of stores have been closed and small businesses are either suffering or are already closed. This has produced a record number of people left without a job and a paycheck. The 30-day mandate will only dig deeper into those that are already financially strapped.
There are more people in need of assistance than in recent history.
Area charitable organizations are feeling the crunch of the virus as well. Donations are trickling in and volunteers are scarce, yet they are still functioning. They continue to devote time and resources to those in need. Many of us want to help our fellow citizens, our friends, our neighbors and now is the perfect time.
If you can and are interested in making a difference in a charitable organization during the pandemic (or anytime) – consider donating cash.
This is the time to take care of one another!
- Feeding Tampa Bay – this organization supplies items to food pantries in a 10-county area. According to Feeding Tampa Bay, $1 will purchase 10 Meals. You can donate by clicking here or visit their website at feedingtampabay.org/.
- Feeding America – continues to serve communities and individuals facing hunger across America. Every dollar raised from the COVID-19 response fund will be used toward food and funds for food banks across the United States. Donate at feedingamerica.org/. There will be a link for COVID-19 donations.
- Meals on Wheels – delivers to homebound residents. Additional food and supplies are needed to provide meals not only to current clients, but those that may be now in need of delivered meals. Polk County can donate at mealsonwheelspolk.com and Hillsborough County can donate at mowtampa.org.
- OneBlood — the need for blood will never stop. OneBlood is urging people to donate. You can find additional information and a donation location near you at oneblood.com.
- Red Cross – needs blood donations! If you are healthy and feeling well, please make an appointment to donate mid-April and after at RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). You can also make monetary donations at redcross.org, by text at 90999, by phone at 1-800-HELPNOW, or by mail at PO Box 37839 Boone, IA 50037-0839.
- Ronald McDonald House – continues to help the families of hospitalized children. Normally, volunteers come to the houses and provide meals for the families. Due to the Coronavirus outbreak, volunteers are not allowed. Donations will help provide meals for these families. You can donate at rmhctampabay.org/coronavirus/ and follow the prompts.
- The Humane Society – is open and what a great time to add a fur baby to your family! Check out pets up for adoption on their websites: humanesocietytampa.org/ and humanesocietyofpolkcounty.org/. With less visitors and volunteers they need help and are also accepting donations which can be made in Hillsborough at 813-774-4306 or by email at [email protected] and in Polk at 863-324-5227 or humanesocietyofpolkcounty.org. If you go, please be mindful of precautions and limit your party size to one or two.
We will get through this together!
Brooks Law Group remains dedicated to you and the community during this time of crisis. We are open, so please call us if you are in need of legal assistance.
