Non-profit organizations, our community helpers, are in need of support now more than ever. Here’s a round-up of some of those in need, and what you can do to lend a hand. Stay tuned to this article for additions as we receive them.
Berks Encore continues to deliver Meals on Wheels to homebound seniors Monday through Friday. As their meal requests have increased, and some regular volunteers are sheltering at home, Berks Encore needs help with meal packing and delivery. Meals are provided from their six senior community locations in Wernersville, Strausstown, Reading, Mifflin, Fleetwood and Birdsboro. To find out how you can help, call 610.374.3195, ext. 225.
The Berks History Center (BHC) is currently closed to the public at this time. The non-profit’s main need at present is funding and financial support. The board made the important decision to continue employing staff, who are working remotely to continue providing history education to our community throughout the shut-down. In addition, the BHC must continue to maintain its buildings, which house and protect more than 300 years of Berks County's history. If you’re able, please support BHC’s mission and efforts to continue to preserve and share Berks County's history for generations to come.
The Berks History Center is also asking residents to get out and garden wherever possible. In response to the COVID-19 crisis, BHC recently launched "Berks History for Victory,” an educational campaign, digital storytelling project, and community call to action to promote food security through the revitalization of historic victory gardens in Berks County.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Berks County, PA staff remains hard at work to help their Bigs empower potential in our youth. They continue to conduct activities, interviews, and trainings on a virtual (online) basis. Their matches — both community-based and school-based — are being encouraged to continue to “meet” by utilizing virtual resources and phone contact. Anyone — not just matches — can check out their website and social media sites (including Facebook) for some great activity ideas.
The 38th Annual Bowl For Kids’ Sake has been postponed with new dates to be determined (potentially a July-August time frame). They hope to see all of our BFKS friends when that happens! If you would like to help the agency now, please visit https://give.classy.org/BBBSofBerksFund
If you would like to enroll your child as a Little, visit https://bigsinberks.org/enroll-your-child/. And if you would like to become a Big, visit https://bigsinberks.org/become-a-big/. Applications and enrollments are being accepted even while the office is closed.
Blankets of Hope is working to get disposable face masks to those in need. To date, 25,000 have been donated and more can be ordered soon with additional funding support. The public can help by visiting the group’s Facebook page to make a donation.
Breast Cancer Support Services of Berks County will be looking for items when things return to normal and they are able to open their offices and resume programming. The organization will have a need for the following items as their constituents are cancer survivors with already compromised immune systems: disposable face masks, hand sanitizer, disinfectant, Clorox wipes, Lysol spray, latex gloves and tissues. Breast Cancer Support Services of Berks County does not charge fees for any of the programs or services it provides, so monetary gifts are always welcome. The organization has a number of volunteer opportunities throughout the year from various administrative projects to special events, program facilitators, and their community awareness committee. Volunteers are always needed to assist with these initiatives. Should you be interested in learning more, email michele@bcssberks.org.
Caron is still in need of Nitrile Gloves (S, M, L) for their medical team. Any donations would be greatly appreciated. To help, please contact Chris Kelly, Corporate Director, at ckelly@caron.org or call 610.743.6427.
Concern 4 Kids notes that in these extraordinary times, you can help to change a lifetime by sharing your heart, opening your home, and giving hope. Now more than ever, they need foster families to provide guidance, love and support, and to make a difference for children, guiding them to a healthy, responsible adulthood. Your family can make that difference. To learn more about foster parenting, call them today at 610.944.0445 or visit concern4kids.org.
Do it LOCAL, LLC has been busy working to create lists of special business offerings that may help both the business and community residents during this time. To learn more about savings available, check out these two links.
Helping Harvest has been truly humbled by the outpouring of support from the community during this pandemic crisis. Local food assistance programs continue to see a dramatic surge in attendance. As demand grows, Helping Harvest is increasing its food orders and the costs continue to rise. They can’t continue to meet this challenge without you. Your donation lets local families and seniors know that they are not alone during this time of unprecedented crisis. To donate, click here: https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/1413032.
The Humane Society of Berks County has noted that as the stay at home order continues, the number of individuals and families still in need of pet food has, and will continue to grow. This increased need is rapidly depleting the stock at Spike’s Pet Pantry. Continued donations are needed to sustain the growing need. Donations of pet food can be purchased through the Society’s Amazon Wish List, www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/ZM4RWC3GE78, and directly shipped to Humane Veterinary Hospital in Reading or the Humane League of Lancaster County. Also, financial donations are in great need and can easily be made online at humanepa.org/donations/online-donations.
Safe Berks, despite the current health challenges, continues to provide free, confidential services to local survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault 24 hours each day. All services are available in English and Spanish. For victims who are seeking crisis services, including requests for shelter and medical advocacy, please call the 24-hour hotline at 844.789.SAFE (7233) or text SAFE BERKS to 20121. Anyone in immediate danger should call 911. For legal questions, please call 610.373.1206, ext. 107, and leave a message. Legal Advocates will call clients back. All Counseling Support Groups are postponed at this time, but free individual counseling is still available. For requests for counseling, call 610.373.1206, ext. 606, and counselors will call you back. For questions about how you can help Safe Berks, email FrancineS@SafeBerks.org.
United Way of Berks County launched the Berks COVID-19 Response Fund for individuals, foundations and corporations to donate money to help those most impacted by the pandemic. Funds will be distributed to local health and human service nonprofits with experience and expertise in providing food, essential supplies and other crucial assistance to Berks Countians in need. Contributions made to the Berks COVID-19 Response Fund will be distributed to local 501(c)3 nonprofits through an application process. The funding decisions will be made by local volunteers and professionals with experience evaluating critical needs and making funding decisions. Please visit www.uwberks.org to make a donation today, or text UWBCGIVE to 85511.
Are you a local non-profit organization that would like your organization’s needs included in this listing? No problem! Just email your info to RJones@BerksCountyLiving.com.
