How to help

Donate to United Way

The United Way of Carlton County created an emergency fund called the COVID-19 Local Relief Fund. The purpose of this fund is to provide immediate support for Carlton County residents who need basic everyday survival items by sending grocery cards through the mail to local families who request help.

The fund is open and accepting donations. To donate, text UWCARLTON to 41444 or visit the website. The office is not open to the public but is accepting grocery cards through the mail at United Way of Carlton County, PO Box 250, Cloquet MN 55720.

United Way director Ali Bilden Camps said people requesting help can fill out a short form on the website at http://www.unitedwaycarltoncounty.org. Call 218-879-8404 if you don’t have internet access.

Donate to food shelf

The Salvation Army operates a food shelf at its Cloquet location at 316 Carlton Avenue. Although the thrift store is currently closed because of the threat of COVID-19 transmission, the food shelf is still serving people who need help.

While grocery donations to the food shelf are much appreciated, cash donations are even more helpful, because the food shelf purchases many of its food items through the Second Harvest Food Bank. According to Second Harvest, for every $1 donated, they can secure and distribute food for five meals to people facing hunger by working directly with farmers, wholesalers, packers, shippers and retail partners.

Moose Lake and Cromwell also have food shelf locations.

Clean up on a walk

The Cloquet Community Clean Up Facebook page suggests the following simple steps to volunteer, wherever you live:

1. Grab a couple of shopping bags and gloves.

2. Go for a walk with family or household members.

3. Pick up trash on the road, sidewalks, walking paths, parks, parking lots.

4. Obey social distancing guidelines.

5. Bring trash home and place in your garbage can.

6. Post pictures to social media (optional).

7. Repeat throughout the springtime.

Give blood

Prospective donors can call the Memorial Blood Centers Duluth site at 651-332-7150 or 888-448-3253; or, go to http://www.mbc.org to make an appointment.

Find a blood drive and make an appointment at http://www.redcrossblood.org, or call the American Red Cross at 800-733-2767 for assistance in making an appointment. Donors can really help by scheduling appointments for June and July blood drives, when operations now on hold are expected to proceed.

Order, deliver food

Support your favorite dining establishment by ordering delivery, carryout or curbside pickup.

Volunteer to deliver groceries or shop for a neighbor or family member at higher risk, if you can safely do so.