News
FitzCares: Ways to Give Back
At FitzGerald, we are incredibly fortunate to be able to support our clients, teammates, and employees remotely. Last week for National Volunteer week, our FitzCares committee gathered some of the ways we’ve been helping those who could use extra support due to limited means, limited access to supplies, or a high-risk status. There are so many people out there who can be supported by volunteer or donation efforts to sustain during this time of uncertainty. We hope you consider joining us in one, if not many, of these ways to give back to the community.
If you have additional ideas for how we can use our talents, time, and resources to help others, we invite you to reach out and let us know!
Support Local
Musicians, Artists, Instructors, Educators…
- Buy merchandise, music, art.
- Live stream classes put on by local instructors: art, yoga, personal training, education, etc.
- Share their site for others to support.
- Chicago Local Artists
- Chicago Gyms and Studios Livestreaming Classes
Small Businesses
- Find your local small businesses on Dining at a Distance, Yelp, or other apps; to buy product, food, gift cards, or pre-pay for services (remember to tip, and tip well if applicable.)
- Many restaurants have staff who started GoFundMe pages set up to help employees recoup lost wages. Check out the social media channels of your favorite venues to see if they have one set up.
Volunteer
(Please always wear a mask covering your nose and mouth, wash-hands frequently, and clean/disinfect all items you touch. If you or anyone you take care of falls in these high-risk categories, please consider opportunities in other sections.)
Food Banks
- Greater Chicago Food Depository
- Lakeview Pantry
- Care For Friends
- Find the Food Bank nearest you for further opportunities using Yelp.
Do Grocery Runs for Elderly, Healthcare Workers, and High-Risk Individuals
- Utilize apps like NextDoor or your neighborhood’s Facebook Group, like Lakeview Neighborhood News, to find locals in need of food delivery.
Give Blood
Donate/Make PPE
Masks
- Be a Maker: How to Make Your Own Face Mask (Sewn or Not) & How to Make (a variety of) Face Masks.
- Be a Supporter and Donator: Buy from local artisans on Etsy (filter by seller location.) *Note: masks sold on Etsy are not medical grade, so ensure your receivers know this. Many healthcare providers are using these to cover their N95 masks to make them last longer.
3D Printed Face Shields
- Be a Maker: How to Make 3D Printed Face Shields
- Be a Supporter: Consider donating or joining the Illinois PPE Network, who are creating PPE for the state of Illinois.
Donate
Chicago Coalition for the Homeless
- Support local individuals experiencing or facing homelessness.
Chicago Community COVID-19 Response Fund
- Support local nonprofit organizations.
Pandemic of Love
- Match with an individual/family in need that meets your criteria of giving.
University of Chicago
- Supplies/Food donations to Supply Chain.
- Financial donation to Supply Funds.
