Dear Saratoga CERT Member,
Last week the City proclaimed a local emergency as a result of the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19). While the City’s Disaster Service Worker Volunteers are not expected to be activated, there are many opportunities to support the response effort. Some of the opportunities to help are listed below. This information is also available on the City of Saratoga website at www.saratoga.ca.us/assistance and the content of this City webpage will be updated as new opportunities become available.
Volunteer Opportunities for CERT Members There are Saratoga community members who need help shopping for groceries, preparing meals, getting medications, or with other essential activities. There are local and countywide organizations offering assistance, and many of these groups need donations and volunteers to help with their efforts.
If you’re looking for an opportunity to give back to the community during this time, please get involved with one of the following:
Saratoga Area Senior Coordinating Council Saratoga Area Senior Coordinating Council/Senior Center is working to meet the needs of older adults while they stay home. There are looking for volunteers to help with their efforts.
West Valley Community Services West Valley Community Services is offering assistance to those who need food, emergency funds, or other critical resources. They are seeking support through donations, volunteers, and community outreach efforts.
Second Harvest Food Bank Second Harvest Food Bank is accepting donations to provide meals to our vulnerable community members. They are also seeking volunteers to help pre-box and distribute food.
Silicon Valley Strong Silicon Valley Strong is a countywide effort to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19. You can volunteer or donate to support the relief efforts.
County of Santa Clara Health System You can support the County of Santa Clara Health System by donating funds or supplies. They are currently accepting donations of new supplies for hospital staff, including personal protective equipment, disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizer, and other items.
Blood Donations Right now, the American Red Cross and Stanford Blood Center have a critical need for blood donations. There has been a sharp decline in blood drives, so there is now more need than ever for community members to donate as hospital patients continue to require life-saving donations. Eligible and healthy donors are strongly urged to make an appointment to provide lifesaving blood products for patients.
Disaster Healthcare Volunteers Healthcare providers with an active license and public health professionals can help support response to COVID-19 by registering as a disaster healthcare volunteer with the State of California.
Thank you for your dedication to the well being of our community!
Sincerely,
City of Saratoga