We understand the desire to help when we hear of hard times around us. At this point, the best action most of us can take to flatten the curve of the coronavirus is to follow the Center for Disease Control and Illinois Department of Public Health guidelines. However, there are some ways you can help support local and national organizations.
To suggest a resource for this page, please contact Community Engagement Librarian Sam Adams-Lanham at sadams@balibrary.org.
• The Barrington Area COVID Response Fund (BACRF) is currently accepting donations of any amount. The Barrington Area Community Foundation will match the first $100,000 in donations.
BACRF is a joint effort of the Barrington Area United Way, the Barrington Area Community Foundation, and other members of the Healthier Barrington Coalition. The fund is intended to assist non-profit organizations, individuals, and families in the Barrington area experiencing financial hardship as a result of the virus.
• Information on local food pantries
• Shepherd's Circle is working with local restaurants to provide meals for hospital employees. Donate to Meals for Heroes here.
Message from Advocate Good Shepherd regarding donations
• At this time, Advocate Good Shepherd can accept masks made following these directions.
• We have been touched by the outpouring of support from our community and the offers to help. We are accepting supplies of certain items. These items can be dropped off at the donation receptacles at the Good Shepherd Hospital receiving dock.
• N95 and procedural masks
• personal-sized un-opened hand sanitizer
• new or unused goggles or safety shields
• disinfectant wipes
• To make a large-quantity donation of any of the above items, please contact Advocate Good Shepherd’s Director of Community & Guest Relations, Rafael Malpica.
_____________________________________
• Volunteer opportunities are listed at Lake County 211 and McHenry County Volunteer Center. Please read guidelines carefully.
• The Serve Illinois Commission on Volunteerism & Community Service has a COVID-19 page, including a form for organizations to post their volunteer needs.
• FACE SHIELDS: Many people have contacted us to express concern for our local and global community during the coronavirus pandemic, and to inquire if the library's MakerLab might be able to help. We are listening to guidance from local and national health organizations. This is a rapidly evolving situation, but at this time the face shields approved by the NIH for clinical use are too large for our 3D printers. We also reviewed the design for a laser cut face shield being used by UIC, but encountered the same challenge. We are actively working with organizations in the community to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and will continue to provide whatever support we can to our healthcare providers. We have been in contact with Advocate Health Care, and they will activate us if there is assistance we can provide. For further inquiries, please contact Digital Services.
• Information on virtual volunteering with links to various opportunities.
• The Barrington Area Library has work-from-your-computer volunteer opportunities that will make our Local History archives more accessible. Contact Kate Mills to get started on one of the following projects.
• Transcribe Barrington Courier-Reviews from 1891 - 1908
• Projects may also be available for those fluent in other languages