Volunteers answer texts for help during pandemic, severe weather
People are stepping up their volunteer efforts through the El Paso-based nonprofit organization Nonprofit Exchange program called Help Action.
Simple Feed
February 22, 2021
ABC 7 – HelpAction througout the country
El Paso Volunteers Answer Texts For Help During Pandemic, Severe Weather
EL PASO, Texas – As El Paso continues on a warming trend, the rest of Texas is struggling to regain power and water in the aftermath of a crippling cold front that knocked out basic utilities for days.
El Pasoans – and people across the country – are volunteering to help that recovery from a distance.
People are stepping up their volunteer efforts through the El Paso-based nonprofit organization Nonprofit Exchange program called Help Action.
“We created Help Action as an early response to COVID-19,” said executive director John Hernandez.
The person in need of assistance can specify that they can reimburse the volunteer for the items, but Hernandez said volunteers often pick up the tab without collecting payment.
Help Action has now expanded from El Paso to other parts of Texas and the United States.
“Right now we’re helping everybody who has been displaced by the winter catastrophe in Austin and Dallas,” Hernandez said.
That day, an Austin resident shared a video to Facebook, tagging Help Action, after receiving a donation from a volunteer during last week’s severe snowstorm.
“This lady from Boston was able to provide a 5-gallon water bottle, more water bottles and milk for me and my husband,” said Tasia Holliday from behind the camera.
Hernandez said in the year the nonprofit program has been in operation, demand and volunteerism has only increased.
“This gives volunteers that power back where they can feel like they’re doing something for the community,” Hernandez said.
The Nonprofit Exchange is working with local food pantries to connect people with essential items.
“Saw this online filled it out and thought nothing will happen, but today I received a text saying the food was being delivered. I was surprised. Received constant updates and texted with both the wife and husband. When the delivery was made I was so grateful and surprised by the amount that was given to me. You both are amazing and I’m truly thankful and blessed. Thank you so much and thanks a million to this organization for doing what you do. God bless!!!” – Austin Delivery Recipient
Nonprofit Partnerships
During the coronavirus pandemic, thousands of volunteers through agencies across America are stepping up to deliver supplies to our most vulnerable. A majority of these organizations rely on manual communication methods to reach their volunteer base, which can be ineffective.
HelpAction is seeking partnerships with nonprofit organizations and volunteer groups who wish to organize their volunteers to better serve those in crisis during these difficult times.
HelpAction.org opened public requests on May 22, 2020 and have been recruiting volunteers in El Paso, TX over the past month. Simply visit HelpAction.org to learn more!
HelpAction is a volunteer based organization launched by the Nonprofit Exchange, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, based in El Paso, Texas providing digital fundraising and technology tools to over 100 nonprofits across the nation.
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February 11, 2021
Partner Launch in Southern Illinois
Aurora Pantry Delivering Food Boxes To Homebound Residents
Residents can sign up to receive a weekly supplemental food box from the Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry.
AURORA, IL — The Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry is now delivering food boxes to residents who are unable to leave their homes amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The program, called Pantry To-Go, allows residents to sign up to receive a weekly supplemental food box, according to a news release. Volunteers will make no-contact deliveries between noon and 2 p.m. every Monday.
The coronavirus pandemic caused “an extraordinary increase in the amount of people that needed our assistance” and many people do not have cars to access the pantry’s drive-thru distribution events, the release states. Many others are unable to leave their homes due to health issues of coronavirus-related restrictions and quarantines.
“Saw this online filled it out and thought nothing will happen, but today I received a text saying the food was being delivered. I was surprised. Received constant updates and texted with both the wife and husband. When the delivery was made I was so grateful and surprised by the amount that was given to me. You both are amazing and I’m truly thankful and blessed. Thank you so much and thanks a million to this organization for doing what you do. God bless!!!” – Austin Delivery Recipient
Nonprofit Partnerships
During the coronavirus pandemic, thousands of volunteers through agencies across America are stepping up to deliver supplies to our most vulnerable. A majority of these organizations rely on manual communication methods to reach their volunteer base, which can be ineffective.
HelpAction is seeking partnerships with nonprofit organizations and volunteer groups who wish to organize their volunteers to better serve those in crisis during these difficult times.
HelpAction.org opened public requests on May 22, 2020 and have been recruiting volunteers in El Paso, TX over the past month. Simply visit HelpAction.org to learn more!
HelpAction is a volunteer based organization launched by the Nonprofit Exchange, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, based in El Paso, Texas providing digital fundraising and technology tools to over 100 nonprofits across the nation.
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