‘Look for the helpers,’ Here’s how you can help during the coronavirus outbreak

From kids to seniors, everyone has been impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak. Mister Rogers famously urged people in times like these to “Look for the helpers.” Here are some ways you can help people in need right now.

Have questions about the spread of the coronavirus? We have an entire section dedicated to coverage of the outbreak. CLICK HERE for more.

VIRTUAL TIP JAR

A virtual tip jar has been set up for service industry workers in Pittsburgh.

It was set up by an assistant professor at Carnegie Mellon University.

People impacted sign up on a Google do listing their name and where they work.

Virtual tip jar set up for service industry workers in Pittsburgh impacted by coronavirus Virtual tip jar set up for service industry workers in Pittsburgh impacted by coronavirus

Then people who wish to tip just send the money by PayPal or via a Venmo account.

If you are impacted or if you would like to donate, you can sign up or donate HERE.

LOCAL FARMERS COOKING MEALS

With food insecurity a real fear for people right now, a local farmers market is helping out.

The Bellevue Farmers Market continued to serve meals last weekend.

“We’ve seen a lot of people who will be at risk, and we knew that was a very real threat,” Mallory Cuiksza, a Bellevue Farmers Market Committee member, said.

Local farmers market still serving meals during time of uncertainty Local farmers market still serving meals during time of uncertainty

Two churches will allow them to use kitchen space, so organizers anticipate being able to make 750 meals for Thursday night and this weekend.

If you need a meal, click HERE.I

f you’d like to volunteer, click HERE.

If you’d like to donate, click HERE.

VOLUNTEERS SHOPPING FOR SENIORS

People have been making a lot trips to the grocery store the past few days, but that can be difficult for local seniors who need to buy groceries or pick up medicine.

There are volunteers in Bridgeville who will run those errands for them. There are people on standby.

So if seniors need help with picking up groceries, having them delivered or if they need prescriptions picked up, all they have to do is call.

Volunteers in Bridgeville will help seniors do their shopping during coronavirus outbreak Volunteers in Bridgeville will help seniors do their shopping during coronavirus outbreak

A few years ago, Bridgeville created a disaster planning committee with local churches and community members who can step in and help.

If you are a senior living in Bridgeville or know someone who is, you can contact the police department at (412) 221-6052. They will put you in touch with a volunteer.

TEACHERS HELPING STUDENTS

Local teachers are helping students by reading and providing online support to students who are at home from school during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Shannon Longdon is finding a way to connect with her students at home. She’s is an elementary school teacher in the Washington School District.

Molly Romeo, a middle school teacher for the Fox Chapel Area School District, is also posting videos and positive messages on YouTube and Facebook.

DONATE TO MAKE -A-WISH

Make-A-Wish has postponed all wish travel and wish kid participation in all activities and events related with the organization that involved large gatherings until further notice. A large percentage of wishes involve air travel, and because of that 61 of the current 400 pending wishes have been postponed.

Also, several events and fundraisers have been postponed and in some cases canceled. So they’re asking for your help. Supporters can donate to Make-A-Wish through their website.

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