Hunger and isolation are two devastating side effects of the pandemic. But eager volunteers are stepping up.
Quinton Askew leads 2-1-1 Maryland, the state’s health and human-services hotline. Volunteers have answered 36,000 calls a month, on average, since March. He describes how 2-1-1 helps seniors grocery shop, take their medications, and navigate telehealth appointments.
You can connect by dialing 2-1-1 from any phone, texting your zip code to 8-9-8-2-1-1, orchatting online. Learn how to receive services or volunteer with the Caregiver Services Corps.
Plus, Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland has tripled meal delivery since March. Julie Hollander, Senior Director of Volunteer Services, tells how they’ve ramped up operations. Volunteer Gerry Galuardi says packaging thousands of meals is hard but worthwhile work. Sign up to volunteer here. Apply for meals here.
