Coronavirus has created many challenges for all of us, and that makes the outpouring of support we have seen for our older neighbors even more inspiring.
Donations. Volunteerism. People who contact Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services and just want to know how they can help. The people we serve are facing many new challenges due to Coronavirus, and this local support gives us the flexibility to provide help where it is needed most.
Here are a few examples:
Donations help us provide essentials that are not covered by state or federal funding, such as face masks and stockpiles of frozen meals. Our thanks to the Llewellyn Foundation, Cambridge Savings Bank, East Cambridge Savings Bank, Cambridge Trust, CambridgeSide Partners, Thurston Real Estate, and more than 70 local households, for giving generously during this difficult time.
Many of the people we serve are requesting masks, especially now that they are mandatory for public spaces in Cambridge and Somerville. Our thanks to the German International School Boston and SCES team members Dana Beguirie, Eliza Royer, Rebecca Warner, Lindsey Smilack and Michelle Mazzola for donations that have helped us keep up with demand, so far.
We are also sending thanks Revolutionary Clinics, Mutual Aid of Medford & Somerville, and SCES team member Colleen Morrissey for donating hand sanitizer.
Volunteers have helped in a variety of ways, including meal deliveries and Friendly Phone Calls for people who are feeling isolated during the stay-at-home advisory. We have seen many new volunteers step forward since the pandemic began and longtime contributors finding new ways to help. Our deepest gratitude to everyone who has helped make this possible.
How can I help? We are providing masks for older adults that need them, and we need more to keep up with demand. We also need medium-sized disposable gloves and disinfectant wipes. Please contact our Aging Information Center for more information about how to donate these items. Monetary donations are always welcome. The easiest way to give is by clicking the “Donate” button in the top right corner of our website, eldercare.org.
The past few weeks have been filled with challenges, and we expect more to come. Our thanks again to everyone who has joined with us, to face this challenge together.
