Community Organizations in Need of our Help During this Crisis:
Essential Services Support for the Community:
American Red Cross
American Red Cross needs blood donations. There is a severe blood donation shortage across the country. The coronavirus outbreak has led to the cancellation of at least 2,700 blood drives nationally, which means 86,000 fewer donations. If you are eligible and healthy, you can find your nearest blood donation center through the American Red Cross website, or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS.
Baby Basics of the Peninsula
Baby Basics of the Peninsula is a 100% volunteer organization based in East Palo that distributes diapers to needy families. To find out more about volunteering please call (650) 321-2193 or email [email protected]. You can also donate here.
Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County
Catholic Church Charities of Santa Clara County assists children, families and seniors who are one emergency away from poverty with food, housing, healthcare and other vital services. Donations needed: https://www.catholiccharitiesscc.org/donate
Destination: Home
Destination: Home has launched a fund to help those suffering COVID-19-related loss of income to pay their rent. This organization is a personal favorite of mine and I have worked actively with them. Donations needed: https://destinationhomesv.org
HealthTrust’s
HealthTrust’s mission is health equity in Silicon Valley regardless of income, race, immigration status, language, age, or zip code. Donations needed: https://healthtrust.org/donate
Peninsula Volunteers
Peninsula Volunteers needs volunteers for Meals on Wheels. To volunteer: www.penvol.org
Second Harvest Food Bank of Silicon Valley
Second Harvest Food Bank of Silicon Valley provides food to the ever-growing community of hungry and food insecure, including students dependent on food distributed at school. Donations needed: https://www.shfb.org. To volunteer for a shift please go to: https://www.shfb.org/give-help/volunteer
Silicon Valley Community Foundation
Silicon Valley Community Foundation created a Community Response Fund to support organizations with deep roots in hard-hit communities in our 10-county area. Funds may be directed by county. Donations needed: https://www.siliconvalleycf.org/coronavirus-fund
Silicon Valley Strong
Silicon Valley Strong is coordinating donation and volunteer efforts in the community. Donations and volunteers needed: https://www.sanjoseca.gov/your-government/departments-offices/mayor-and-city-council/mayor-s-office/silicon-valley-strong
Sunnyvale Community Services
has a Coronavirus Relief Fund for those requiring financial assistance to pay for food, rent, medical care and other essentials. Donations needed. https://svcommunityservices.org/coronavirus-relief-fund
West Valley Community Services
West Valley Community Services provides food, supplies and support for clients in the West Valley. Donations, volunteers and fundraising needed: https://www.wvcommunityservices.org
Mental and Emotional Health Support:
Crisis Text Line
Crisis Text Line offers free 24×7 support for those in crisis providing trained crisis counselors throughout the US. Donations and volunteers needed: https://www.crisistextline.org
National Alliance on Mental Illness Santa Clara County
National Alliance on Mental Illness Santa Clara County is providing “warmline” support for those experiencing anxiety, panic, depression or mental illness. Donations needed: https://namisantaclara.org/get-involved/donate-nowx/
Support for Veterans:
HomeFirst
HomeFirst is a leading provider of services, shelter, and housing opportunities to the homeless and those at risk of homelessness in Santa Clara County, including a special program for veterans. Donations needed: https://www.homefirstscc.org/veterans
National Veteran’s Foundation
National Veteran’s Foundation has expanded hours for the national LifeLine for Vets call center to provide information, guidance and empathetic human contact. Donations needed: https://nvf.org/the-nvfs-responds-to-covid-19/
Support for First Responders and Physicians:
Valley Medical Center Foundation
Valley Medical Center Foundation seeks donations and supplies to respond to emergency needs from physicians, first responders and local public health officials. Donations and new products needed: http://vmcfoundation.org/covid19