March 30, 2020 By

Opportunities to Help Your Neighbors

Below is a list of local organizations in need of assistance. While volunteer opportunities are more limited at this time, there are still opportunities for healthy and able-bodied individuals to assist nonprofit organizations across the city.

Individuals who prefer not to do in-person volunteer activities at this time may instead help out by donating needed items, or making monetary contributions, to local organizations that are working with vulnerable populations.

If you have elderly or vulnerable neighbors on your block or in your condo, please take time to call and check up on them. You may also consider volunteering to go to the store on their behalf for food and other necessities.

Chicago Help Initiative
• Volunteer to help them prepare to-go bag meals on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays for Chicagoans in need. If you are able to help Chicago Help Initiative with bag meals,  drop them off Wednesday, Friday and Saturday in front of Catholic Charities, at 721 N. LaSalle Street from 10 am to 10:30 am.   Ideally, each bag meal should contain one sandwich, piece of fruit, bag of chips, one single drink, and a treat.  For more information, visit http://chicagohelpinitiative.org, or call Jacqueline at 312-861-1700.
Deborah’s Place
• Thermometers are a precious commodity right now and very difficult to find anywhere. However, if you happen to have access to thermometers you do not need, please consider donating some to Deborah’s Place. They can be dropped off at or sent to the main office at 2822 W. Jackson Blvd.
• Make a monetary donation online.  Donations made via check may be delayed in processing due to staffing.
The Greater Chicago Food Depository
• Volunteer during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Greater Chicago Food Depository is hard at work responding to the increased need for food. Support their work by making a monetary donation.
The Salvation Army
• Donate today. The Salvation Army needs support from communities to continue to meet the daily needs of vulnerable populations. Your donations will continue to help them respond to the many people who may people impacted by COV-ID 19.
Several local nonprofit organizations could use your time and money to make sure vulnerable populations are cared for during the pandemic.
• Those interested in Donating Blood can find information through the Red Cross or through Vitalant (formerly LifeSource)
Support for Chicagoans Serving on the Front Lines

While first responders, healthcare professionals, and other essential personnel work on the front lines during the fight against the spread of COVID-19, their families are in dire need of child care during this unprecedented time.

You can help by volunteering to provide child care for the family of one of these workers keeping our city going through Sittercity’s “Chicago Responds” program.

Launched in partnership with the City of Chicago, the “Chicago Responds” program will connect members of the public and public-sector employees like yourselves with first responders who are looking for volunteers to provide sitter services in their homes. The program will also give all Chicago parents working as first responders free access to Sittercity Premium. Please consider donating your time to these local heroes and their families.

Based in Chicago, Sittercity has been digitally connecting families with quality child care since 2001. They provide tools to help caregivers easily connect with local families including:

• Detailed Profiles
• Secure Messaging
• Interview Scheduling
• Background Check Options

Thank you for considering volunteering your time. Chicago and our first responders need your care and compassion now more than ever.

Filed Under: Community