COVID-19 Resources

Over the past few weeks, we as a community, state, nation, and globe have seen a change in our world unlike anything we have ever experienced.  This has been such a challenging time for all of us – but some have been hit harder than others.  We here at Life 103.1 want to do our part to lend a hand and help out – and if you are like us and wondering how you can help… what is the best use of your time, resources, or talents… we hope you’ll find this useful.

COVID-19 Education and Resources

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on the pandemic, visit www.coronavirus.gov

2-1-1

North Carolinians can dial 2-1-1 for assistance and resources related to COVID-19.  They can also text COVIDNC to 898211 to receive general information and updates about COVID-19.  Sign up to get regular alerts on the rapidly evolving situation and North Carolina’s response.

COVID-19 Health Tips:

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze
• Wash your hands with soap and water for 20+ seconds each time.
• Stay home from work or school if you are sick.
• Throw away tissues after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are ill.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched.

Activities and Resources for Children at Home

• Create a COVID-19 Time Capsule with your young children.  Download and print this 11-page activity book to get started: https://kidsactivitiesblog.com/137490/printable-helps-your-kids-make-a-quarantine-time-capsule/
• Follow “Busy Toddler” on Facebook or Instagram for dozens of ideas to entertain children up to age 6.
• Take advantage of additional time at home to video call relatives with your children. It’s a great way to connect and strengthen the bond your children have with their grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and more!
• Struggling with homeschooling? Find NPR’s tips for homeschooling during the pandemic here: https://www.npr.org/2020/03/23/820228206/6-tips-for-homeschooling-during-coronavirus
• PBS Television is offering a guide on how to communicate about the virus with your children/grandchildren. Find tips here: https://www.pbs.org/parents/thrive/how-to-talk-to-your-kids-about-coronavirus?fbclid=IwAR3FLJLihFmeiWoEBcPOrGj3TUumy75AaxxKTlHVhKgN-L25-CIXHebzgb0

United Way of Lee County - Visit www.leecountyunitedway.com for the most up-to-date information and COVID-19 updates including closings and altered schedules as well as the latest information on Executive Orders, Social Distancing Guidelines, and more.

In Need of Help?

Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina - The Food Bank is still Open as an essential business– and they’re here for the long haul!

• Visit https://foodbankcenc.org/event/grab-go-meals-for-kids-during-covid-19/for a list of locations offering grab-and-go meals for kids during COVID-19
• If you are in need of food, you can search https://foodbankcenc.org/find-help/food-finder/ to find an agency near you.

Hope for Healers Helpline

The North Carolina Psychological Foundation has set up a service for healthcare professionals, first responders, and other health workers to get 24/7 support by a licensed mental health professional.  Call 919-226-2002.

Hope for NC Helpline:

People in need of help coping and maintaining resilience during the pandemic can be connected to available mental healthcare 24/7 by calling 855-587-3463.

Small Business Resources

Coronavirus Emergency Loans

The US Chamber of Commerce has prepared a Small Business Guide and Checklist to the Coronavirus Emergency Loans.  Learn if you are eligible, what lenders are looking for, how much you can borrow, if your loan will be forgiven, by clicking here: http://d31hzlhk6di2h5.cloudfront.net/20200327/41/80/83/a4/376d3ee8bd362fa16a3d720b/USChamber_Small_Business_ELA_Loan_Guide.pdf

Sanford Area Growth Alliance

Click here: http://growsanfordnc.com/chamber/toolkit for a link to the Sanford Area Growth Alliance’s Coronavirus Toolkit, which includes helpful links for small business assistance, remote working tools, community resources, and funding and loan assistance.  Plus you will find printable items to post in the workplace including the President’s Coronavirus Guidelines for America, and Workplace Tips for Employees.

United Way of Lee County

• The United Way’s Community COVID-19 Response Fund has been set up to help local nonprofits provide emergency assistance to residents dealing with the coronavirus pandemic. 100% of contributions received will be distributed to human-service agencies in Lee and Harnett Counties in North Carolina.  You can donate here: https://www.leecountyunitedway.org/civicrm/contribute/transact?reset=1&id=12
• COVID-19 Emergency Grant – Human service nonprofits providing services in Lee and Harnett Counties may apply for emergency grants to help provide COVID-19 related services to clients. Click here to apply: https://www.leecountyunitedway.org/covid-19-emergency-grant-application

Volunteering and Donation Opportunities

American Red Cross:

• To Schedule a Life-saving blood donation – call 1-800-RED-CROSS and pick option 1
• To make a Financial Donation – Call 1-800-RED-CROSS and pick option 2
• To Volunteer, visit redcrossblood.org and search by your zipcode to see a list of upcoming blood drives in the area.

Bread of Life Ministries in Sanford

Bread of Life Ministries in Sanford is in need of Donations – Visit them at BOLMNC.org.  Some items include:

• Non-perishable food items
• Coats
• Gently worn clothing for men, women, and children
• Laundry Powder
• Dish Soap

Christians United Outreach Center of Lee County

CUOC is in need of food and monetary donations as well as volunteers.  Their doors are still open, but many of their volunteers and workers are older and more vulnerable during this time so they would welcome new, healthy volunteers. If you have clothing donations, please hold them for CUOC down the road.

Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina - The Food Bank is still Open as an essential business– and they’re here for the long haul!

• The most needed resource is funding – that allows the Food Bank to shift their inventory to be as nimble as possible to meet the ever-changing need and allows them to make purchases in bulk.
• Want to mobilize your neighborhood, church group, or other circle of friends? Hosting a Virtual Food Drive is a great way to help while participating in social distancing.  Click here for more info: http://secure.foodbankcenc.org/site/TR?fr_id=1153&pg=entry
• The Food Bank Greatly relies on volunteers – if you are a healthy adult and want to volunteer you can self-schedule a shift at https://volunteer.foodbankcenc.org/custom/519/#/volunteer_home

Mama’s House of Thrift

Mama’s House of Thrift in Fuquay-Varina has delivered hundreds of bags of food weekly to families in need, but they are badly in need of volunteers and funding.  Visit http://mamashouseofthrift.org/ for more information or to donate today.

United Way of Moore County

The United Way of Moore County has established a Coronavirus Relief Fund to help families and individuals during this difficult time.  Monetary donations are being accepted at https://unitedwaymoore.com/covid-19-relief-fund/ and will help provide financial support for food, rent, and utility bills.  Together we can get through this.