SALT LAKE CITY – It’s been a tough year for most people, with many looking for ways to give this giggle back on Tuesday, finally here with the holiday season tu. With the Covid-19 epidemic putting constant pressure on the health care system and the economy, it seems that donations and volunteers are more needed now than ever before.
When help is needed, it can be difficult to find ways to return to the midst of a global crisis that limits contact with each other to limit the spread of the virus – both Intermvanthan Healthcare and the University of Utah have set up temporary deadlines. Pause to accept volunteer requests until the COVID-19 case subsides.
However, there are still many ways to help. This holiday season there are a handful of Utah services and charities to consider donating your time, money or resources.
Utah State Hospital
Prior to the epidemic, Utah State Hospital had more than 300 volunteers per college semester – now, that number is down to about 20 to comply with COVID-19 health guidelines.
“It was difficult for the volunteers and for us. We love them coming and they love to come,” said Kami Roundy, the hospital’s director of volunteer services. He added that Covid-19 has a waiting list of about 100 volunteers eager to return and serve when conditions allow.
The outbreak affected about 50 patients at the hospital, Roundy said. Since March, all visits have been conducted virtually and most recreational activities have been canceled due to COVID-19.
“They stayed here a lot without visitors and did a lot to do,” he said.
One thing the hospital is waiting for is its annual Forgotten Patient Christmas project, where community members or professionals can sponsor patients who would otherwise be forgotten due to lack of family or other circumstances. Sponsors then go on to make Christmas purchases from their patient wish list.
But with the lack of volunteers and COVID-19 restrictions, it will be a little different than in previous years. Roundy explained that sponsors are not allowed to bring pre-wrapped gifts to the facility due to safety concerns, so gifts are usually wrapped under gift supervision. However, this year, it may not happen.
Still, it will be a highlight for patients to receive specially selected gifts for each of them, he said.
“I think it will be the brightest point of their year and give them something to look forward to and some time and know what they are thinking about,” Roundy said.
While Roundy is confident the hospital will have enough sponsors by Christmas, she said she usually has enough sponsors in early December. That hasn’t been the case for years, with about 60 patients still in need of a sponsor.
Anyone interested in participating in the hospital’s Forston Patient Christmas Project can contact Roundy at 801–34444-2525૨4 or by email at [email protected].
Utah The Fis of Public Guardians
The Utah Public Fees of the Guardian provides services for adults unable to care for them and is accepting donations of cash or gift cards for staff to purchase items and gifts needed by these individuals.
Those interested in donating can send a check or gift card to:
Utah Ut Fees of Public Guardians
195 n. 1950 West
Salt Lake City, UT 84116
Anyone with questions can email us at [email protected] or call 801-538-8255.
Utah Food Bank
All Giving Tuesday donations (up to 25,000,000) to the Delta Dental Community Care Foundation, Utah Food Bank, which distributed more than a million meals a year across the state last year, will essentially double your contribution.
Volunteers are also accepted, with a number of health precautions.
JustServe.org
Tuesday also marked the first day of the Church Saints of Jesus Christ’s Letter-Day Saints’ #LightWorld initiative, aimed at spreading joy and service during the holiday season.
This year, participants can sign up for service signals sent by text for ideas on how to serve during an epidemic. Tuesday’s prompt asked users to donate to a local charity or volunteer at a trusted nonprofit. Participants are asked to share their experience on social media so that others can also consider joining.
Those looking for other volunteer opportunities in their community can visit the church’s website JustSurvey.gov where people can find service projects in their area.
United Way Salt Lake
United Way health is also accepting donations and volunteers during the epidemic, focusing on creating sustainable solutions for those struggling with education, struggling with poverty and poor health. Volunteers can find a lot of opportunities, some are able to do it remotely.
Salt Lake City Mission
The Sult Lake City Mission, a nonprofit that helps homeless and poverty-stricken people, is raising funds to provide COVID-19 emergency food relief to people in need in the area.
How are you helping others during an epidemic? Tell us in the comments below.
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