How can Utahns volunteer this donation Tuesday during a pandemic?

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SALT LAKE CITY – During what has been a difficult year for most, many people are looking for ways to give back on this generous Tuesday with the holiday season finally here. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to strain the healthcare system and the economy, it appears donations and volunteers are needed more than ever.

While the need for help is there, it can be difficult to find ways to give back amid a global crisis that is limiting contact with one another in order to limit the spread of the virus – both Intermountain Healthcare and the University of Utah Health has put a hold on accepting volunteer requests until COVID-19 cases decrease.

However, there are still many ways to help. Here are a handful of Utah services and charities to consider donating time, money, or resources this holiday season.

Utah State Hospital

Before the pandemic, Utah State Hospital had more than 300 volunteers per academic semester – now that number has dropped to about 20 in order to follow COVID-19 health guidelines.

“It’s been tough for the volunteers and for us we love having them and they love to come,” said Cami Roundy, director of volunteer services at the hospital. She added that there was a waiting list of around 100 volunteers eager to return and serve once COVID-19 conditions permitted.

For the approximately 320 patients at the hospital, the pandemic has taken its toll, Roundy said. As of March, all tours have been completed virtually and most recreational activities have been canceled due to COVID-19.

“They stayed here the whole time with no visitors and a lot to do,” she said.

The hospital looks forward to its annual Forgotten Patients Christmas Project, where community members or businesses can sponsor patients who would otherwise be forgotten due to lack of family or other circumstances. The sponsors will then go shopping for Christmas from their patients’ wish lists.

But with a lack of volunteers and COVID-19 restrictions, it will be a little different from years past. Roundy explained that sponsors are not allowed to bring pre-wrapped gifts into the facility for security reasons, so gifts are usually wrapped at a supervised event. However, this year it cannot happen.

Even so, receiving gifts specially chosen for each of them will be a highlight for the patients, she said.

“I think this will be the highlight of their year and give them something to look forward to, have a good time and know what they are thinking about,” Roundy said.

While Roundy is confident the hospital will get enough sponsors by Christmas, she said they usually have enough sponsors in early December. This was not the case, around sixty patients still needing a sponsor.

Anyone interested in participating in the Hospital’s Forgotten Patients Christmas Project can contact Roundy at 801-344-4254 or email [email protected].

Utah Office of the Public Guardian

The Utah Office of the Public Guardian provides services to adults unable to care for themselves and accepts donations of cash or gift cards to enable staff to purchase necessary items and gifts for these individuals. .

Those interested in making a donation can send checks or gift cards to:

Utah Office of the Public Guardian
195 N. 1950 West
Salt Lake City, UT 84116

Anyone with questions can email [email protected] or call 801-538-8255.

Food Bank of Utah

The Delta Dental Community Care Foundation will match all Giving Tuesday donations (up to $ 25,000) to the Utah Food Bank, which distributed more than 44 million meals last year statewide, essentially doubling your contribution.

Volunteers are also always accepted, with several health precautions in place.

JustServe.Org

Tuesday also marked the first day of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints #LightTheWorld initiative, aimed at spreading joy and service during the holiday season.

This year, attendees can sign up for service prompts sent by text message for ideas on how they can serve during the pandemic. Tuesday’s prompt asked users to donate to a local charity or volunteer at a trusted nonprofit. Participants are also welcome to share their experience on social media, so that others may also consider participating.

Those looking for other volunteer opportunities in their community can visit the church’s JustServe.org website where people can find service projects in their area.

United Way of Salt Lake

United Way of Salt Lake, a local charity focused on creating lasting solutions for those struggling educationally, facing poverty and ill health, is also accepting donations and volunteers during the pandemic. Volunteers can find a number of service opportunities, some of which can be done remotely.

Salt Lake City Mission

Salt Lake City Mission, a nonprofit organization that helps those facing homelessness and poverty, is organizing a fundraiser to provide food aid in the event of a COVID-19 crisis to those in need in the region.

How are you helping others during the pandemic? Tell us in the comments below.