How to help in a pandemic

DONATE TO COVID-19 LOCAL RELIEF FUND

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 COVID-19 Local Relief Fund is open and accepting donations. To donate, text UWCARLTON to 41444 or visit the website. Send grocery cards to United Way of Carlton County, PO Box 250, Cloquet MN 55720.

DONATE TO FOOD SHELF

While donations of grocery items to food shelves are much appreciated, cash donations are even more helpful, because the area food shelves 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. Area food shelves also need more local volunteers to donate their time.

PAY IT FORWARD

Residents can help a local business and local residents in need of food by making a donation to the B&B Market’s “Food Train” at 506 Big Lake Road in Cloquet. It’s been chugging along since March 24. According to Sunday’s update from owners John and Kim Lind, they have taken in $92,576 and distributed $83,000 worth of food to people all over the region since then, from Moose Lake to Brookston to Cloquet and Duluth. They’re hoping to get to $100,000 in donations now. Local residents in need can stop at the store during certain hours to pick up free bags of food. Check out their Facebook page to find out when or call 218-879-3555.

The Streetcar Kitchen & Pub in Carlton delivered 100 free shrimp meals to Carlton-area seniors, while an anonymous donation to Family Tradition Restaurant in Cloquet paid for food deliveries to AEOA Senior Dining, the Carlton County Sheriff’s Office, the Outreach Center, SuperOne Foods, Cloquet and Fond du Lac Police, B&B Market and more.

MORE MASKS NEEDED

Community Memorial Hospital continues to need cloth face masks, homemade or store bought. Drop off inside the front doors of the hospital in a bin clearly marked for facemasks. These masks help everyone as we try to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Additional cloth face masks are also needed for Fond du Lac Human Services Division staff. Adult sizes (large and medium) with elastic around the ears are preferred. Masks can be delivered to Min No Aya Win Clinic at 927 Trettel Lane, Cloquet inside the main entrance from 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. Monday-Friday and will be distributed to other Human Services Division sites as needed.

The Cloquet Area Fire District is asking for donations of 20-40 cloth face masks for staff members. Drop off at the back door of Station 1, 508 Cloquet Avenue, Cloquet.

BUY LOCAL

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

HELP FRIENDS AND FAMILY

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