COVID-19: How to Help - Linden Hills Neighborhood Council

Updated May 4, 2020

If you are looking for a way to give back during this crisis, LHiNC is compiling a list of donation and volunteer opportunities. This list will be constantly growing, so please email us with suggested additions or updates at info@lindenhills.org.

#GiveAtHomeMN from May 1-8
#GiveAtHomeMN is a weeklong, online fundraiser on GiveMN.org to support nonprofits and schools all across Minnesota. Although monetary donations are most needed at this time, many organizations are seeking volunteers to help them continue their program delivery. To take part on GiveMN.org, simply search for the causes that mean the most to you and give as you are able.

Donate to City’s Gap Funding Program
The City is accepting donations from private individuals or entities for the Gap Funds for Housing and the Forgivable No-Interest Loans for Small Business Program. If you are interested in donating, please contact the city through this online form.

Hands on Twin Cities
HandsOn Twin Cities is a full service volunteer center that promotes local, organized and relevant volunteer opportunities at nonprofits that know how to work with volunteers. They have a COVID-19 Volunteer Response Hub. More info.

Donate Blood
The American Red Cross is encouraging individuals to keep scheduled blood, platelet or AB Elite plasma donation appointments and to make new donation appointments for the weeks ahead to ensure a stable supply throughout this pandemic. More info.

Donate to MN Immigration Families Fund
The MN Immigrant Families Fund is a grassroots fundraising effort to support immigrant families who don’t qualify for local, state or federal support, and for those who, because of COVID-19, may be pushed even deeper into the shadows with little or few resources available to meet their immediate needs. More info.

Homemade Mask Donations
There are a lot of patterns for homemade masks out there right now, and their efficacy is unclear. However this pattern comes from North Memorial Hospital and contains a pocket so that the hospital can add a filter to it. Please DO NOT go out to buy materials! Use whatever you’ve got on hand or order online. The hospital can also attach elastic ear pieces if you do not have that. They recommend that you call them before sending them off in case they no longer need them. https://northmemorial.com/covid-19-donations/

Donate items needed to protect people responding to COVID-19
Hennepin County has created drop-off locations for items needed to protect people responding to the COVID-19 crisis. Closest drop-off location to Linden Hills is the Southdale Library (7001 York Ave. South, Edina). More info.

PRIORITY ITEMS NEEDED INCLUDE:

Protective face wear – N95 or N100 respirators, PAPRs and surgical masks
Nitrile gloves
Tyvek coveralls
Tyvek foot covers
Eye protection (wrap arounds or chemical splash)

Food Shelves and Food Donation Orgs:

Metro Meals on Wheels – Sign up to volunteer or donate money
Second Harvest – Sign up to volunteer or donate money
Joyce Uptown Food Shelf – Sign up to volunteer or donate money
The Sheridan Story needs help packing food for our community.

Please note, right now, these organizations are asking for people to donate time and funds, not food.

Minneapolis Public Schools
If you are interested in volunteering for MPS please click here to complete the volunteer interest form. We will connect with interested volunteers as needs arise.

Minnesota Responds
Minnesota Responds is a partnership that integrates and engages local, regional, and statewide volunteer programs to strengthen public health and health care, reduce vulnerability, build resilience, and improve preparedness, response and recovery capabilities.