Six ways to support our community during times of crisis

As our daily lives have changed during the COVID-19 pandemic, many of our neighbors have reached out to ask how they can assist NCH in caring for our communities. Here are some of the ways we can join together to help our communities get through this difficult time.

Safely check in on friends and neighbors. A text, phone call or video chat is a wonderful way to help everyone feel connected.

Give children an outlet for their energy and emotions. Find safe activities you can do together, both inside and outside of the house. (Remember, you can take a walk together and continue to practice social distancing.) Listen to children when they express frustration.

Order from your favorite local restaurant. Many of our neighborhood establishments are still making great food, available for pick-up or delivery.

Be informed. Take care to only share valid information about COVID-19. We recommend relying on verified sources (such as the Centers for Disease Control or the World Health Organization).

Take time to write it down. Keep a gratitude journal of the things you appreciate, even (or especially) during hard times. Or make a bucket list of all the things you want to do once the stay-at-home order is lifted.

Donate. Several community members have reached out to ask how they can support NCH or other local organizations during this time.

• Northwest Community Healthcare
  The most important way our community can help join us in this fight is by making a charitable gift to the NCH Foundation at nch.org/donate. We have established a COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund where 100% of the money raised will be used to assist patient care and to support our staff. As the COVID-19 crisis continues to unfold, this fund will bring added resources as we constantly adapt to present needs.
• Community Cares
  Palatine Assisting Through Hope Clothing Closet, All Saints Food Pantry and Northwest Community Healthcare are collaborative partners in this pantry that provides food, clothing and other essential items to community members in need. Please consider supporting the pantry financially so that greater quantities can be purchased from the Greater Chicago Food Depository or by providing donations of gift cards and grocery items.
  Financial donations should be made by check and mailed to:
  All Saints Lutheran Church
  630 South Quentin Road
  Palatine, IL 60067
  (Please note Food Pantry in the memo line)
  
  Gift card and grocery donations should be delivered to:
  The Community Resource Center
  1585 N. Rand Road
  Palatine, IL 60067
  
  Donations accepted on Thursdays from 10 a.m. – noon and Saturdays from 8 – 11 a.m. Drive up to the side door for drop-offs.
  
  Most needed items include: $10 Jewel gift cards, peanut butter, rice, cereal, dry pasta, canned fruit, diapers and toilet paper. No clothing donations accepted at this time.

• Journey’s The Road Home
  Unfortunately most emergency PADS shelter sites have had to close. Please consider supporting Journey’s by making a financial contribution or by purchasing much needed items through their Amazon wishlist. A donation of $75 will house an individual or family for one night in a hotel. Information about both options can be found at journeystheroadhome.org
• Animal Shelters
  Most animal shelters are no longer adopting out pets at this time, but the animals still need food, walks and love. The Buddy Foundation (65 W. Seegers Road in Arlington Heights) is closed, but would gladly accept donations of cleaning supplies, toys for cats or dogs, wet dog food, cat litter, cat food, and leashes. Any of these items can be dropped off at the Seegers Road location, at either the front or back door. The Buddy Foundation will also accept monetary donations at https://thebuddyfoundation.org/donate/

Give Blood
School campuses, churches and libraries are closed and blood drive have been cancelled and blood supply is running low. Please consider donating blood at the following blood drive:

• Community Blood Drive Faith Lutheran in Arlington Heights on 4/27

If you have questions or need additional information, please email givecovid19@nch.org.