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SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN — In the wake of the COVID-19 crisis, the United Way of Southwest Michigan is seeking volunteers for various projects to continue to car for local residents.

Current volunteer opportunities include:

COVID-19 standby volunteers needed

United Way of Southwest Michigan is looking for volunteers who are willing and able to help in a variety of ways during the current COVID-19 crisis.  Volunteers may be needed to help with tasks such as food distribution, cleaning, laundry, and more.  At this time, this opportunity is an “on-call” opportunity, meaning that volunteers will only be contacted if a specific need arises. If a resident is willing and able to volunteer in the community for tasks such as these, sign up at uwsm.org/volunteer.

Send seniors a little cheer

Meals on Wheels of Southwest Michigan and Greater Niles Senior Center are asking for people to make and send cards to senior citizens. The organizations ask that volunteers be creative and help cheer up someone who is very lonely and potentially scared. For more information, or to sign up, visit uwsm.org/volunteer.

Turn compassion into action

American Red Cross of Southwest Michigan is looking for volunteers for several opportunities such as a disaster action team member, which provides 24-hour emergency response to local disasters, ensuring that those affected have access to resources for basic necessities such as food, shelter and clothing. The American Red Cross of Southwest Michigan is also looking for blood drive volunteers in Berrien, Cass and Van BurencCounties. For more information, or to sign up, visit uwsm.org/volunteer.

Help feed the hungry

Fresh, healthy food tends to have a short shelf life. To make sure it gets distributed as quickly as possible and to increase the distributed amount, Feeding America West Michigan developed the Mobile Food Pantry. Mobile pantries are like farmers’ markets on wheels, delivering a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy products and baked goods to people in need, often on the same day the food is donated. Kinexus is hosting mobile food truck on April 28 and May 18. Volunteers will help distribute food, carry heavier groceries for people who may need help due to a disability, and give a smile to those that are currently experiencing food insecurity. For more information, or to sign up, visit uwsm.org/volunteer.