Merced groups organizing to help less fortunate people during coronavirus pandemic
While life has slowed for many Merced residents stuck at home during the coronavirus pandemic, organizations aimed at helping the less fortunate have revved up efforts, as the number of those in need rise.
“It’s a time when we really see the community rallying to step up and meet the need,” said Bruce Metcalf, chief executive officer of Merced County Rescue Mission.
Merced County’s website added a help link to its COVID-19 updates page for both those seeking to help and those in need.
Here are a few more resources for the needy and for those able to offer aid.
Love INC
Love INC coordinates efforts between faith-based groups in Merced County, identifying where needs are greatest.
The most critical need is food, said Executive Director Annette Macias. With job layoffs and grocery supply shortages, more Californians are struggling to feed their families.
“I get calls every day from those at or below the poverty level seeing food they need not being there,” Macias said.
Love INC coordinated about 80 volunteers to distribute food from area churches and its own food pantry. Meals are prepared for homeless shelters, too.
Macias said the number of volunteers is ample as of now, but more will be needed if the situation progresses. Interested volunteers can fill out this form. Donations are accepted as well.
Those needing help can fill out the form on Love INC’s website, or call the help line at (209) 383-1265, extension 150.
Gateway Community Church
Gateway Community Church recently added an “I need help” tab to its website, www.gatewaymerced.org.
A list of about 150 elderly or high-risk individuals for the church to regularly call and check in with each week has been compiled so far, said Executive Pastor Mark Humphreys.
“People are stepping up and want to help,” Humphreys said.
Volunteers deliver food, supplies and prescriptions to the elderly, ensuring vulnerable populations don’t risk coronavirus exposure at grocery stores or pharmacies. Interested volunteers can fill out the form on Gateway’s website.
“People are home and bored,” Humphreys said, noting individuals want a reason to get out of the house and be helpful.
Humphreys said local tech-savvy college students, now attending class online, are lending their increased free time. They’re teaching seniors to use technology like FaceTime and Zoom, giving elderly residents new ways to socialize with family members safely.
Salvation Army
The Salvation Army turned its Corps Community Centers in Merced and Los Banos into Emergency Service Centers, making its facilities available to cities and the county.
“We are willing to do whatever the need is,” said Salvation Army Captain Ryan Miller.
Miller reiterated the primary need is food, and noted the typical number of those in need increased 20 times over the past week.
Breakfast is served at Sally’s in Merced on Tuesday through Thursday from 7-8:30 a.m. at 1440 W 12th St. Food bags and other donated items are available Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
In Los Banos, food bags are available 10 a.m. to 12 p.m Monday through Friday, and clothes are available 10 a.m. to 12 p.m Tuesday and Thursday. Food is delivered to families the third Wednesday of each month and to seniors every third Tuesday.
Dos Palos deliveries are every third Thursday and Santa Nella every third Friday.
Merced residents can help with supply and monetary donations, or by volunteering. All donations are sanitized to protect those distributing and receiving them.
Miller stressed that those able to give money can see their dollars go the furthest, as Salvation Army is often able to purchase items at a significantly reduced rate.
Interested volunteers can email Melissa.doppler@usw.salvationarmy.org or call (415) 553-3528.
Bethel Community Church
The county is recommending Bethel Community Church in Los Banos as its west side donation location for Merced County residents in need.
Bethel Community Church is aiding those impacted by the coronavirus pandemic with food and supplies.
The church is asking for donations of toiletries, disinfectant, linens, baby supplies, adult diapers and nonperishable goods. Monetary donations are accepted, too.
United Way of Merced County
United Way of Merced County established a COVID-19 Relief Fund to help with immediate and long-term challenges.
Currently, efforts are focused on aiding home-bound senior citizens who don’t qualify for Meals on Wheels, said Chief Executive Officer Manuel Alvarado.
Qualifying seniors who call Merced County Human Services Agency are placed on a list to receive grocery bags with essential items, Alvarado said. Volunteers from Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate deliver the bags twice a month.
About 50 seniors are on the list so far, but that number will likely grow, Alvarado said.
Single mothers in rural communities who need supplies like baby formula and diapers is United Way’s next target group, Alvarado said.
“We’re just going to go to the most spots in the community and address the most dire and pressing needs,” he said.
United Way is also seeking to aid those unable to pay rent or utilities, although funding is not yet available.
Donations to assist United Way’s efforts are accepted on its website. Contributions stay in the Merced area.
Merced County Rescue Mission
State-mandated social distancing measures have required homeless shelters to lessen their numbers for safety, uprooting some homeless individuals from where they’re typically housed.
Merced County Rescue Mission found housing for 20 such homeless throughout Merced and Los Banos, said Metcalf.
Metcalf said there’s a big push to get especially vulnerable elderly homeless off the street and into housing at this time.
“When we hear stories of hoarding and overbuying, there are also so many people that are doing the right thing,” Metcalf said, noting collaboration between the county, cities and many area nonprofit organizations.
Coffee Bandits in downtown Merced is keeping its staff employed while its doors are closed by preparing food for Rescue Mission, Metcalf noted.
Those seeking to help Rescue Mission can view the list of needed items on its website (www.mercedcountyrescuemission.org/needs) or aid with monetary donations.
This story was originally published April 1, 2020 at 2:39 PM.
