During times of crises many of us want to know what we can do to help and demonstrate, in tangible ways, the love and character of Jesus Christ and His church.  We’ve compiled a brief list of ideas.  Be wise and pray diligently as you discern how God would have you be part of bringing health in this season.

• Sow Love: Sew Masks- Our friends at Arrive Ministries invite us to make masks for Karen Organization of Minnesota (KOM).  KOM need 1,000 masks for their staff, clients, and Karen churches in their network.  For more information email volunteer@arriveministries.org.
• Deliver Meals- Be an on-call driver for Meals on Wheels (M-F, 11am-1pm)
• Share the Stimulus-  https://sharethestimulus.org.  Stirred by a common bond of Christ’s sacrificial love, SharetheStimulus.org was launched in order to grow a movement of generosity that might spread throughout our communities, churches, nonprofits, and businesses.
• Provide Food Shelf- Ralph Reeder Foodshelf is operated by our local school district and helps over 900 households in our neighborhood each month gain free food! Consider donating to them here.
• Help us help others- Do you want to help with needs that come in to the church? Email Bekah Backman with with the subject line: ECC Help Needs
• Write encouraging cards or have your kids draw pictures to send in the mail to the people who live in an assisted living facility or nursing homes
• Check on elderly neighbors- Check in with your elderly neighbors or those with compromised immune systems and see if you can pick anything up for them
• Use Social Media to do good- Be intentional about reaching out to people through phone, text, social media, etc… Simply ask questions like, “How are you?   What do you need today?”  Check out the Next Door social media app to see about needs in your immediate area
• Care for kids in need- Offer childcare for health professionals or hourly workers who may not be able to afford to stay home with their kids and who may need to work
• Donate Blood- Blood donations are needed now! Here’s a link to see where and when you can do this.
• Serve Meals at UGM- Are you a low-risk individual who can help serve meals at Union Gospel Mission (12 and older)?
• Make Masks and other PPE- do you have access to appropriate materials and equipment to sew needed masks for clinics?
  • • How to make masks 
    • Where to donate 
• Donate Personal Protective Equipment- Do you or your workplace have extra personal protective equipment (new N95 masks, disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizer (70% alcohol), goggles, disposable gloves, and gowns) you can donate to healthcare providers? Consider donating to Covenant Living who is requesting these items and helps care for senior adults in Golden Valley. Contact Heather Bell if you can help (hrbell@covliving.org, 763.732.1504)
• Donate Books- As you clean house, collect books to donate to Global Academy, a K-8th grade charter school that serves a diverse population in New Brighton
• Give Generously to Non-Profits- Be faithful with your existing commitments to financially contribute and help others, give generously to non-profits that are helping with the situation