Learn about opportunities to support the community.
Check out Good Morning America’s article, “Ways to volunteer from home and how to help food banks during coronavirus,” or this list of additional ways to volunteer at home. Still looking for suggestions? We’ve got them!
Help the Greenville community!
Several local agencies that the Heller Service Corps supports need assistance during this time. We encourage you to consider any of the following opportunities.
Harvest Hope
Because grocery stores are not able to supply food, Harvest Hope Food Bank needs help keeping their shelves stocked. Click here if you are interested in making a financial donation.
Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity’s biggest need is financial help for the families that are already in their homes. Donations may be sent to: Habitat for Humanity, P.O. Box 1206, Greenville, SC 29602
Triune Mercy Center
Triune Mercy Center is in desperate need of the following items for the people in the homeless community:
- Bottled water – they have a water station in the parking lot, however, they need bottled water for people to have with them throughout the day and evenings
- Canned foods – i.e. Vienna sausage, fruit cups, crackers, pudding, protein bars
- Personal hygiene items – baby wipes, bars of soap, bath towels
- Financial donations
Neighborhood Focus
Neighborhood Focus is an after school program seeking volunteers to do the following: Read a book online, organize a prayer team, lead an online art or gratitude activity, write notes of encouragement and math tutoring and support.
If interested, please contact: Keith Groce, Executive Director, P.O. Box 9127, Greenville, SC 29604. Phone: (864) 704-7878. Email: kgroce@neighborhoodfocus.org
Teach
The responsibility of schooling now rests largely on parents, leaving many tired and seeking content for their kids. Offer a virtual lesson to a family or neighbor you know. For example, you can read to students, teach them magic tricks, or provide a lesson on the value of paper money and coins. The ideas are endless! Stuck? Try Pinterest!
Support Healthcare Workers
Research or start a neighborhood “shout out” to health care workers. You can also make signs to hang in your windows.
Card and Letters
Contact a local elementary school, PTA, or neighborhood groups (schools are closed but staff are still on email) to connect with parents whose children are having birthdays. Create a sign up to have birthday cards written for their children.
Or contact your local hospital or senior care facility and ask them if and how you can send messages to patients. Some may have email access and some may allow you to mail cards.
Cook a Meal
Look for local nonprofits that have stayed open to continue to serve the community. Many need meals or sandwiches for their clients. If everyone in your house is healthy and practicing responsible social distancing, consider cooking a meal at your own home and delivering it. Some organizations, such as Meals on Wheels, need people to help with contactless drop-offs as well.
Network With Neighbors
Help your neighborhood become more connected and supportive. Create an email chain or Facebook group that neighbors can use to share information with each other. Make a flyer with instructions on the meaning of the group and how to join. Leave on mailboxes or doorsteps.
Research
There are many more great ideas out there, so research away and see what others have come up with. Some national non-profits have created guides and project ideas. Perhaps you even have some of your own ideas!