Ways To Give Back Locally During COVID-19

FEED THE LESS FORTUNATE:

– Donate to First Coast Blessings in A Backpack. 

– Support The Jim & Tabitha Furyk Foundation who continues to provide funding for local schools and recently worked with Kingmade Jerky to donate $100,000+ in product to local Blessings chapters.

– Join St Johns Hugs Across the County in ordering and shipping emergency food to families at Title 1 schools.

– Contribute to Feeding NE Florida’s Project S.H.A.R.E, a new program in which local chefs are creating meals from the food provided by Feeding Northeast Florida to deliver to seniors in need.

– T-Dub’s Mercantile in AB in collecting donation for First Coast Blessings in a Backpack supported by Beaches Go Green.

ANIMAL CARE:

BrewHound Dog Park + Bar is collecting pet food donations that people can come and pick up as needed. If you order from Pet Wants in Jax Beach they will match your donation!

SAFE Pet Rescues has many animals available for adoption.  Shelter in place with a new friend.

PROVIDE MEALS FOR HEALTHCARE WORKERS & FIRST RESPONDERS:

– Send a meal directly to the ICU team as some of our readers have done. Panera Bread individually wrapped and delivered.

– Adopt a Hero at Trasca & Co Eatery. 100% of the proceeds go to feeding local heroes.

GET FIT & DO GOOD:

-Take a zoom Brazilian Booty Class and all proceeds will be donated to local charities.

-Join the Jacksonville Humane Society’s Virtual Mutt March and participate in all the festivities via Facebook Live, Instagram Stories, Twitter and the JHS website.

OTHER IDEAS:

– Buy a t-shirt from Stitches & Screens, Inc. or make a donation. www.sirfjax.com They are giving away $25 gift cards to anyone in the service industry affected by the COVID weirdness. Gift cards can be picked up at Stitches & Screens in Atlantic Beach.

-United Way has a website of lots of great ways to help out locally ranging from graduation cards to crafts to food pantry help.

– Send a thank-you note. It can be anyone from the hospital staff to the mail carrier to the hairdresser to the fire department. Many people continue to work and put their lives at risk and many others are feeling vulnerable and worried. Saying thanks is an easy way to let others know you care.

SENIOR SUPPORT: 

– Have teens join a multigenerational weekly telephone outreach, pairing High School and College Students with 100+ home-bound seniors (many who live alone) in partnership with the COA Council On Aging. Interested student volunteers, please email alonetogetherstjohns@gmail.com.

– Laura Bishop organized Operation Silver Notes. You can DM her on Facebook or send a note, photo or card to one of the addresses listed:

Starling at Nocatee Assisted Living
999 Crosswater Parkway
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32081 Attn: Jana
(they will accept drop-offs: there is a bin outside)