Donate or Volunteer to help those in need during COVID-19 crisis

With the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, donations and volunteers are sought to help others during these difficult times. Here are some ways you can make a difference.

Monetary donations are the best way to provide support for disaster recovery and the community. Contact OC United Way or Orange County Community Resilience Fund to donate today.

Donate Protective Medical Supplies:

Faced with a supply shortage of protective gear at Mission Hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic, nurse Jill Brubaker and her family started a grassroots mission to produce protective face shields to protect caregivers. You can donate to the cause at this link.

The Orange County Health Care Agency (HCA) is now accepting donations of protective equipment and supplies for healthcare providers throughout the county. Right now, HCA is only accepting donations from corporations and businesses. These supplies will be accepted (only) in new and unopened containers and boxes:

• N-95, surgical masks and face shields (all sizes)
• Disposable gloves (all sizes)
• Eye protection
• Medical gowns: Disposable gowns and isolation gowns
• Antibacterial and disinfecting wipes

Businesses interested in donating can call the County Public Information Hotline at 714-628-7085.

Emergency Volunteer Center: Nonprofits are on the front lines of the COVID-19 battle and need volunteers who can virtually or physically provide vital assistance. To support these activities, the County activated its virtual Emergency Volunteer Center managed by OneOC. To volunteer, visit this link.

2-1-1 Orange County – Help people get connected to vital resources. Email volunteer@211oc.org for information.

Volunteer for a Food Bank or Pantry: Many food banks need healthy volunteers to help pack, sort and distribute food for all ages. They are taking precautions to prioritize volunteer safety.

• Saddleback Church – Needs food pantry assistance and food rescue drivers. Contact foodpantry@saddleback.com for information.
• Second Harvest Food Bank – Requests food box delivery and food distribution assistance. Contact 949-208-3176 or 3178 for information.
• OC Food Bank – Community Action Partnership – In need of volunteers to pack food boxes and distribute food.
• Orange County Rescue Mission is seeking donations of new unopened and unused items including baby formula, diapers, baby and adult wipes, adult nutrition shakes, protein bars and grocery gift cards.

Assist Local Seniors – Age Well Senior Services needs assistance assembling meals for seniors. Call 949-855-9766 to help.

Emergency Shelter – Mercy House is seeking shelter volunteers. Visit this link for details.

Donate Blood: Blood supplies are critically low during this pandemic. You can help by donating blood at the upcoming March 28 Blood Drive in Mission Viejo and at future Red Cross events. Visit www.redcrossblood.org.