One of the questions we’ve been asked a lot recently is “What can I do to help?” With social distancing, and quarantines, it’s not an easy or direct answer at this time.

We’re putting together a list of things that you can do to help out our community during this COVID-19 pandemic.

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The United Way of Champaign County & The Community Foundation of East Central Illinois have launched the COVID-19 Relief Fund. The fund will work with community partners to help those affected the most. Consider a donation to this local Charity.

https://soundcloud.com/wixyradio/we-talk-with-sue-grey-of-uwchampaign-about-covid-19-support

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Help out workers in the hospitality industry by donating to the Hospitality Relief Fund from Visit Champaign County. They are giving out $250 grants to those affected by COVID-19 shutdowns.

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Family Service of Champaign County is looking for volunteers to give a call to seniors in our community who may be lonely during the COVID-19 quarantine. If you’d like to volunteer, find their info below.

Also, a local group, Adopt a Nursing Home, is doing something similar, where you can write letters to seniors in nursing homes in our area.

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Community Blood Services remind you that there is always a need for blood donations.

Blood donation is safe! Blood drives and donor centers are safe environments where staff and donors are screened to be sure they are healthy and well and have not been exposed to the virus to be present. They are not considered mass gatherings, per Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), for the purpose of social distancing.

It’s the blood on the shelf from regular donors that saves lives. Blood is a critical resource for patients and the blood center must maintain 24/7 operations during this Pandemic to ensure life-saving treatment can continue.

Blood has a short shelf life and must be constantly replenished. Red blood cells can be transfused within 42 days, while platelets and thawed plasma must be transfused within 5 days.

Please make and keep appointments and drive commitments to ensure an adequate supply. There is a national shortage of blood.

• 60% of the blood supply comes from mobile blood drive events.
• These events do not have 50 or more people present at any given time and should not be cancelled as per social distancing policies. (Reference: CDC)
• Individuals present to donate at staggered times and are processed through a safe and controlled environment.
• Blood Center Staff are following protocol to ensure health and safety are maintained.

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You can support a local restaurant or business. We’ve been keeping track of all the restaurants that are remaining open for delivery or carryout service.

Restaurants open for delivery or takeout

Local businesses that have changed their hours or operations

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The Champaign County Chamber of Commerce is soliciting donations to their foundation to help out local small businesses with micro-grants to get them through these tough times. Check out their link below.

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