Big & Mini is a virtual volunteering organization that allows for younger people to be paired with elderly residents in nursing homes in an effort to provide mutual friendship during these isolating times. Through video calls in which younger volunteers chat with seniors and assist them with tasks virtually, we hope to combat increased senior isolation and difficulty completing daily tasks caused by COVID-19.
There is no in-person contact involved; rather, all interactions are facilitated through either phone or video calls a few times a week. Additionally, our platform automatically facilitates matching, so joining the program would be as simple as filling out a form on the Big & Mini website. It is our hope that this platform will be able to create long-lasting friendships while combating some of the loneliness felt during these crazy times.
In order to join Big & Mini, volunteers must be willing to commit to at least one twenty-minute phone or video call with a senior resident and read through a training document explaining what to do during calls, how to maintain proper etiquette when talking with the elderly, and how to answer common questions they may have. Upon sign up, we will send out all information regarding what to expect along with the said document. If you have any questions, feel free to email bigandmini.info@gmail.com.
THERE IS A HIGH NEED FOR INDIVIDUAL VOLUNTEERS THIS WEEK IN LIGHT OF COVID-19. PLEASE SIGN UP ON THEIR WEBSITE. Volunteer to sort food with the Central Texas Food Bank in Austin by helping prepare food donations for distribution, delivering food at mobile food pantries, and lending a hand in their kitchen or garden.
Hungry Souls is an Austin-based organization that partners with local schools to provide weekend and school break meals for students and their families. COVID-19 is having a tremendous impact on food-insecure children and their families as many of them will not receive complete meals with schools being closed. They are currently in need of the following items: Cheerios, canned chicken, enchilada sauce, 1lb bagged rice, refried beans, cornbread mix, fruit cups, jelly, mac&cheese, instant oatmeal.
Make a blood donation at our local blood drive. Click the button to the left to schedule an appointment.