volunteers

“Preparing for Election Day: Poll Workers”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by Jacques Arsenault

“Dear PoPville,

I would like to ask the PoPville community to help get the word out to recruit more DC residents, including young people 16 years and older, to sign up as DC poll workers. It’s a great way to be a part of this historic election and earn about $750 dollars for attending 1 training and 5 short early voting shifts as well as full shift on voting day. Masks, social distancing and other protocols are strictly followed throughout for safety.

In the District, there will be ballot drop boxes around town, but also a full week of early voting with lots of polling places to make sure everyone will be able to vote. Poll workers can request assignment to their most convenient polling places. (more…)

“are there ways the community can help keep students engaged? Likewise, are there things we can do – especially those of us without kids – to support teachers?”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PleasantMountain

“Dear PoPville,

With the announcement that DC schools will be virtual this fall, are there ways the community can help keep students engaged? Volunteer tutors? Organizations that are directing resources (computers, tablets, etc.) to those in need? Food banks focused on student needs? If it “takes a village” in good times, it will take much more in These Times. Likewise, are there things we can do – especially those of us without kids – to support teachers?”

“Any volunteer opportunities for Juneteenth?”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by Victoria Pickering

“Dear PoPville,

My employer just announced that they are going to observe Juneteenth and are encouraging us to use the day to reflect on important questions surrounding social inequities and, if inclined, to participate in constructive social activism. I’m interested in using the day to volunteer but am having trouble finding something on such short notice and considering the current pandemic situation. Any advice on how I can put the day to good use?”

Continuing Coverage of Good People Doing Good Things

By Prince Of Petworth

Thanks to a reader for passing on from Medstar Hospital Center:

“We have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of generosity and support from the community during the #COVID19 pandemic. We recently recognized D.C.-area chef Erik Bruner-Yang and his crew Troy Hickman, Cuong Vo, and Chef Peter Prime of Cane, who donated their 10,000th meal to our hospital staff. Our Chief Nursing Officer Tonya Washington presented them with commemorative plaques in recognition of their devotion to our team. The food crew took a victory lap through a delighted throng of 200-plus associates. Thank you, Chef Erik and your team, and thank you to everyone who helped make his Power of 10 Initiative happen! We are so grateful!”

“Drop off protest supplies (water, first aid, etc)”

By Prince Of Petworth

Thanks to Jessica for sending: “Drop off protest supplies (water, first aid, etc) at the corner of H and Connecticut NW behind Lafayette Sq. Love seeing people be so generous here.

New location: Dropoff: 530pm – 7:00pm
Luther Place Church: Vermont Ave NW & NY Presbyterian Church: 1313 NY Ave NW”

And we even got a missed connection: (more…)

“How can we help?”

By Prince Of Petworth


Chinatown photo by KL

“Dear PoPville,

I think many of us are feeling helpless after this weekend, does anyone know of cleanup efforts to help the businesses that have been broken into?”

Alyssa (and many others) also writes:

“I see folks asking you about groups organizing cleanups today. Great if you know but even if not, would be cool if we just organized ourselves. Count me in, happy to help organize & gather with some like-minded folks. FYI!

(..but I’m not sure where it’s most needed!)”

“We are asking DC residents to help from afar by sending a ‘note of encouragement’ to these youth.”

By Prince Of Petworth

“Dear PoPville,

I’m working w Sasha Bruce youthwork, a 45 year old organization that provides services to homeless youth across the city and PG county. The organization’s 19 programs and centers remain open during COVID, continuing w regular programming while also providing essential items (masks, cleaning supplies, etc), more meals, and additional support programs. But, many of our city’s homeless youth are especially challenged physically and emotionally during this time. We are asking DC residents to help from afar by sending a “note of encouragement” to these youth.” (more…)

“D.C. Area High School Students Organize Regional 3D-Printing Effort in Fight Against COVID-19”

By Prince Of Petworth


“Jonah Docter-Loeb with a face shield”

From a press release:

“To protect the D.C. area’s essential workers from exposure to COVID-19, Georgetown Day School senior Jonah Docter-Loeb founded a partnership of more than 100 volunteers, the DC Mutual Aid Network, Eaton DC, and other local organizations to produce and distribute 3D-printed face shields.

The group, which recently named itself “Print to Protect” produced more than 1,000 shields in the first week of April. Five hundred of these have already been donated to the staff at MedStar Washington Hospital and United Medical Centers. At the current rate of production, Docter-Loeb anticipates the group will be able to create 15,000 shields by the end of the month. When used in conjunction with a medical face mask, these shields provide Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-recommended levels of protection to professionals who come into contact with carriers of COVID-19 during the course of their work. (more…)

“Volunteering during COVID?”

By Prince Of Petworth


Photo by PoPville flickr user Tim Brown

“Dear PoPville,

I’ve been volunteering at Martha’s Table on Columbia Ave NW, but now they’re moving most operations to their Southeast headquarters and I don’t have a car. It seems that a lot of service-based nonprofits have scaled back or shut down volunteer operations entirely, despite growing need for almost everything. Anyone know of places still looking for volunteers, especially in central DC?”

and

“Are you aware of any DC-area opportunities for people to volunteer to deliver groceries to the elderly or others in need?”

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