Few of us have been left unscathed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Lives have been lost, businesses have been shuttered, and national unemployment has reached the level of the Great Depression. In addition, those that were in need before COVID-19 are in greater need now. That said, it’s heartwarming to see those who continue to work on the front lines in the fight against this pandemic. The selflessness of people like our first responders, medical providers, and grocery and restaurant workers should give us all a reason for optimism.

At times like this, a common question is asked: “How can I help?” HeplerBroom LLC has found a way to assist you in answering that question. We’re gathering and disseminating information on just a few of the many deserving charitable organizations that are primarily focused on COVID‑19 relief efforts in the areas where we have offices. We’ll update our listings regularly, and we welcome your input on additional organizations we might have overlooked.

Below is our initial list of those who need your support, with a focus on the communities where we have offices. HeplerBroom LLC invites you to help us help others.

ST. LOUIS (MO) AREA

Meals on Wheels of Greater St. Louis. Meals on Wheels of Greater St. Louis is the umbrella organization for 16 area programs providing meals to elderly, handicapped, and convalescents in St. Louis City and St. Louis County. This organization receives no governmental funds or subsidies and relies entirely on donations from individuals, churches and businesses.

St. Louis Area Foodbank. In 2019, St. Louis Area Foodbank provided more than 35 million meals to needy families in 26 counties in Missouri and Illinois. St. Louis Area Foodbank works with more than 500 partner organizations and programs in the bi-state region, including soup kitchens, food pantries, shelters, and residential programs. It is the region’s largest food distribution charity dedicated to feeding those in need.

EDWARDSVILLE (IL) AREA

Glen-Ed Food Pantry. Every week, the Glen-Ed Pantry distributes food and other services to hundreds of individuals and families in need throughout the communities of Edwardsville, Glen Carbon, Hamel, Worden, Midway, Moro, Dorsey, and Prairietown. As unemployment rises, so does the demand for food and services through the pantry. Use this opportunity to bring hope to the hungry.

Main Street Community Center (Edwardsville, IL). One of the Community Center’s programs is to deliver hot, nutritious meals to seniors in the Edwardsville and Glen Carbon areas. Giving just $20 will feed one senior for a week. Additionally, the Center is accepting donations to provide supplemental food items for seniors in need and to purchase personal care supplies for them during the COVID-19 outbreak. To give by credit card, call 618-656-0300, or mail a check to 1003 North Main Street, Edwardsville IL 62025.

Send your thanks (and dinner!) to hospitals. Show your appreciation for the contributions of the many doctors, nurses, and hospital personnel fighting the COVID-19 battle by sending dinner! Many area hospitals can and will accept restaurant-delivered food and new, unopened personal protective equipment. Please check individual hospitals for what each can receive. Our initial list includes:

• Anderson Hospital

SPRINGFIELD (IL) AREA

Daily Bread and Meals on Wheels Springfield. Daily Bread and Springfield Specialty Meals on Wheels provide hot, nutritious meals to homebound seniors or those with disabilities in Sangamon and Menard Counties. Your donations can be directed toward Daily Bread and Meals on Wheels. 

Send your thanks (and dinner!) to hospitals. Show your appreciation for the contributions of the many doctors, nurses, and hospital personnel fighting the COVID-19 battle by sending dinner! Many area hospitals can and will accept restaurant-delivered food and new, unopened personal protective equipment. Please check individual hospitals for what each can receive. Our initial list includes:

• HSHS St. John’s Hospital (Springfield IL)
• Memorial Medical Center (Springfield IL)

CRYSTAL LAKE (IL) AREA

Home of the Sparrow. This agency offers an Affordable Housing Program for moms or single women who are currently or imminently homeless, formerly homeless, or low-income. Their mission is to provide hope, opportunity, and support that empowers women and children as they journey from homeless-ness to self-sufficiency.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of McHenry County. Big Brothers and Big Sisters provide caring role models for children living in single parent homes, growing up in poverty, and/or coping with parental incarceration. Their community-based mentoring program has temporarily shifted to a digital program.

Meals on Wheels. The Meals on Wheels program reaches out to homebound seniors and people with disabilities in need of hot meals and a daily visit from a friendly face.

Court Appointed Special Advocate for Children (CASA). Children whose parents cannot or will not take care of them are placed in foster care. CASA of McHenry County gives these children a voice in court so they can grow up in safe, permanent homes where they can thrive. Since its founding in 2005, CASA of McHenry County has provided a voice for more than 450 children.

CHICAGO (IL) AREA

Meals on Wheels Chicago. Meals on Wheels Chicago feeds more than 8,500 homebound seniors or those with disabilities. Giving just $49 will feed one senior for a week. Current donations will be maximized by the fact that a donor has agreed to match donations up to $40,000.

Ronald McDonald Charities. Keeping families together and near the medical care they need through a network of local Chapters. This network of local Chapters helps millions of families with sick children find comfort and support when they need it most. The programs, tailored to meet the urgent needs of each community, are now in 65 countries and regions across the globe.

Red Cross Blood donations. With many blood drives canceled, you still can donate blood through the Red Cross.

Send your thanks (and dinner!) to hospitals. Show your appreciation for the contributions of the many doctors, nurses, and hospital personnel fighting the COVID-19 battle by sending dinner! Many area hospitals can and will accept restaurant-delivered food and new, unopened personal protective equipment. Please check individual hospitals for what each can receive. Our initial list includes:

• Northwestern Memorial Hospital
• Rush University Medical Center
• Swedish Hospital
• University of Chicago hospitals

HAMMOND (IN) AREA

Meals on Wheels of Northwest Indiana. Meals on Wheels can be the difference between seniors being able to remain in their own homes and having to relocate to a nursing facility. The nutritious meal, friendly visit, and wellness check helps them cope with three of the biggest threats of aging: hunger, isolation, and loss of independence. Now, more than ever, this service helps keep seniors healthy and safe.

Food Bank of Northwest Indiana. This Food Bank supplies 6.1 million pounds of food annually to individuals and families in need. The Food Bank estimates that need will increase by 50% during the COVID-19 outbreak. The Food Bank also has set up mini mobile markets at schools to feed children who were receiving free or reduced lunches at school and backpack food supplies for weekends. That demand has dramatically increased, while the supply chain, volunteers, and donations have remained steady or even declined. Currently, all donations made in April will be matched dollar for dollar, up to $125,000.

Thank You for Helping Us Help Others!