COVID-19 Resources

Over the past few weeks, we as a community, state, nation, and globe have seen a change in our world unlike anything we have ever experienced.  This has been such a challenging time for all of us – but some have been hit harder than others.  We here at Life 103.1 want to do our part to lend a hand and help out – and if you are like us and wondering how you can help… what is the best use of your time, resources, or talents… we hope you’ll find this useful.

COVID-19 Education and Resources

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on the pandemic, visit www.coronavirus.gov

 

2-1-1

North Carolinians can dial 2-1-1 for assistance and resources related to COVID-19.  They can also text COVIDNC to 898211 to receive general information and updates about COVID-19.  Sign up to get regular alerts on the rapidly evolving situation and North Carolina’s response.

 

COVID-19 Health Tips:

  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze
  • Wash your hands with soap and water for 20+ seconds each time.
  • Stay home from work or school if you are sick.
  • Throw away tissues after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are ill.
  • Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched.

 

Activities and Resources for Children at Home

 

In Need of Help?

 

Down East Partnership for Children

The Down East Partnership for Children has compiled a list of resources for families at: https://depc.org/covid-19-family-resources/.

 

Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina - The Food Bank is still Open as an essential business– and they’re here for the long haul!

 

Harrison Family YMCA (Rocky Mount)

  • The Y is available as a community resource for needs that may come up such as errands for seniors, tips on how to stay active and keep your kids active and learning, or partnership opportunities with other organizations to help serve those critical community needs right now. Please submit all community needs requests to Liz Lord, Senior Engagement Director at 252-972-9622 x.256 or llord@rmymca.org.

 

Hope for Healers Helpline

The North Carolina Psychological Foundation has set up a service for healthcare professionals, first responders, and other health workers to get 24/7 support by a licensed mental health professional.  Call 919-226-2002.

 

Hope for NC Helpline:

People in need of help coping and maintaining resilience during the pandemic can be connected to available mental healthcare 24/7 by calling 855-587-3463.

 

The City of Rocky Mount

The City of Rocky Mount has established an online  Citizen Resource Center at: https://rockymountnc.gov/government/information/citizen_resource_center.

 

 

Small Business Resources

 

Coronavirus Emergency Loans

The US Chamber of Commerce has prepared a Small Business Guide and Checklist to the Coronavirus Emergency Loans.  Learn if you are eligible, what lenders are looking for, how much you can borrow, if your loan will be forgiven by clicking here: http://d31hzlhk6di2h5.cloudfront.net/20200327/41/80/83/a4/376d3ee8bd362fa16a3d720b/USChamber_Small_Business_ELA_Loan_Guide.pdf

 

 

Volunteering and Donation Opportunities

A Touch of the Father’s Love Food Pantry

As things around us are changing rapidly, the mission of A Touch of the Father’s Love is needed more than ever.  So many people depend on this life sustaining food and a large majority of the recipients are senior citizens.  For their safety, A Touch of the Father’s Love is offering drive-through services on food distribution days (Wednesday 9-10 and Saturday 9-11).  Call 252-377-2209 for more information.

The greatest needs of A Touch of the Father’s Love are:

  • Finances to continue operating
  • Food Donations
  • Chest Freezers and Commercial Fridges
  • Electric Pallet Jack
  • Volunteers – to help with daily operations and food distributions, website, and fundraising

 

American Red Cross:

  • To Schedule a Life-saving blood donation – call 1-800-RED-CROSS and pick option 1
  • To make a Financial Donation – Call 1-800-RED-CROSS and pick option 2
  • To Volunteer, visit redcrossblood.org and search by your zipcode to see a list of upcoming blood drives in the area.

 

Boice Willis Clinic

Boice Willis Clinic is in need of homemade masks, hand sanitizer, and surgical masks for staff. Call 252-937-0203 if you can help.

 

Clean Sweep (Janitorial Service)

Clean Sweep is continuing to service our area and are in need of masks and gloves. You can donate by contacting Karen Jones at: msjoneskc@gmail.com

 

Department of Health & Human Services

If you have PPE to donate, email BEOC@ncdps.gov

 

Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina - The Food Bank is still Open as an essential business– and they’re here for the long haul!

  • The most needed resource is funding– that allows the Food Bank to shift their inventory to be as nimble as possible to meet the ever-changing need and allows them to make purchases in bulk.
  • Want to mobilize your neighborhood, church group, or other circle of friends? Hosting a Virtual Food Drive is a great way to help while participating in social distancing.  Click here for more info: http://secure.foodbankcenc.org/site/TR?fr_id=1153&pg=entry
  • The Food Bank Greatly relies on volunteers – if you are a healthy adult and want to volunteer you can self-schedule a shift at https://volunteer.foodbankcenc.org/custom/519/#/volunteer_home

 

Harrison Family YMCA (Rocky Mount)

  • The Harrison Family YMCA in Rocky Mount has established a COVID-19 relief fund to help support the YMCA’s critical operations and community response to provide child care for essential workers, food support for families in need, outreach to seniors, and other community needs as they arise.
  • The Harrison Family YMCA in Rocky Mount is asking children to create their own unique cards to show seniors in our community that they are not alone and we all care about them. Mail cards to PO Box 4063, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. Cards will be received through May 5th, for delivery on May 7th, the National Day of Prayer.

 

Nash UNC Health Care

  • In need of Protective Medical Supplies. If you have questions about Items you can donate, or want to set up a drop-off appointment, contact Kirby Slade at 252-962-835
  • N95 masks
  • Surgical masks (with and without shields)
  • Disposable gloves
  • Disposable shoe covers
  • Eye protection
  • Protective gowns
  • Other needs include nasal swabs, disinfectant, hand sanitizer with more than 60 percent alcohol and hand soap.
  • Food Donations: Snacks will be placed in the relaxation rooms that staff are able to use during their breaks. These donations should be coordinated with the Nash UNC Health Care Foundation and not taken to the hospital. Please email Kathleen.fleming@unchealth.unc.edu or call Kathleen at 252-578-2273 or Stacy at 704-562-9721 to make arrangements. Gift cards are also appreciated and will be used to purchase snack items.
  • Send A Meal: Want to support local restaurants while also supporting Nash UNC Health Care Staff? Contact Rich Jared to coordinate a meal delivery for a unit or group of employees – call 252-962-3473
  • Monetary Donations: Monetary donations are a wonderful way to show your support. Money donated to the Covid-19 Support Fund will be used to show appreciation for staff by purchasing snacks, items for staff relaxation rooms to use during breaks, and other needs as they arise.  Donations can be made online at NashHealthCareFoundation.org/donate. Please make sure you select “Covid-19 Support Fund” under designation.  Checks should be made out to Nash UNC Health Care Foundation and mailed to 2416 Professional Drive Rocky Mount, NC 27804.  Make sure to put a note on the memo line that it is for the Covid-19 Support Fund.

 

Peacemakers of Rocky Mount

If you are completely healthy and able to volunteer, contact Michelle McNeil at 252-212-5044 or michelle@rockymountpeacemakers.org.  Volunteers are needed to assist with tutoring, to help pack food boxes on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and to help deliver food boxes on Thursdays.

 

Ripple Effects

Ripple Effects is a community transformation organization that CAREs – focusing on Community, Accountability, Resources, and Education. Ripple Effects is in need of donations and volunteer delivery drivers. Needed items include:

  • Keurig coffee pods, coffee, creamer, sugar, Splenda
  • Furniture for bridge program
  • Chocolate
  • Non-Perishable Food Items

Learn more at www.rippleeffectsgroup.com or email admin@rippleeffectsgroup.com.

 

The Reach Center

  • The Reach Center is seeking volunteers who are fluent in Spanish and can assist in the over the phone application & appointment process. If you are available to assist please complete an application at myreachnc.com
  • The Twin Counties Relief Fund (TCRF) was established to help alleviate some of the financial burden individuals in the hospitality, retail, cosmetic arts, and barbering industries may be facing due to the COVID-19 pandemic. To learn more or donate visit myreachnc.com

 

United Way Tar River Region

Visit www.unitedwaytrr.org/coronavirus for the most up-to-date information and COVID-19 updates including closings and altered schedules as well as the latest information on Executive Orders, Social Distancing Guidelines, and more.

Ways to Help:

  • Please consider donating non-perishable foods. Items can be dropped off at the United Way Tar River Region’s office (2501 Sunset Avenue in Rocky Mount)
  • If you are interested in being placed on the volunteer list for the twin counties, visit unitedwaytrr.org/volunteer-0
  • Support and donate to the COVID-19 response fund. The United Way needs continued support in their long-term efforts in helping those in need throughout our local communities.  To donate, visit unitedwaytrr.org/coronavirus
  • Help our community stay strong during COVID-19 by making a donation or text GIVE to 252-221-6048

 

United Way of Wilson County

  • The United Way of Wilson County has created a Virus Relief Fund to help residents impacted by the virus. United Way will coordinate with local nonprofits to determine ongoing needs and fund distribution. Donate at: https://www.unitedwayofwilson.org/covid-19-resources-updates.
  • The United Way of Wilson County is collecting nonprofit volunteer needs and requests. For more information, please email communication@unitedwayofwilson.org. Don't want to volunteer? You can still help! Donate supplies - our agencies are in need of the essentials:
    • Cleaning products
    • Paper products
    • Nonperishable food items
    • Hygiene Items

For assistance accessing the Online Public File, please contact:

Kelly Dougherty
WLQC-FM Life 103.1
Phone: (252) 937-1031
Email: wlqc@life1031fm.com