COMMUNITY CHECK-IN

What do we do?

We are an organization dedicated to checking in on the Dallas Community during the COVID-19 Pandemic. We reach out to underserved or neglected populations who we feel could benefit from our service during these difficult times. 

 

Currently, we are working on our Care Package Initiative! We are creating personal care-packages filled with adult coloring books, word search books, handwritten cards, color pencils, snacks & treats, and much more to uplift senior residents who are restricted in their assisted living facilities. We want them to know that we are thinking about them and remind them that they are loved!

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How can you be updated on the most recent news and opportunities? 

You can follow us on our Instagram & Facebook @communitycheckin_ to stay updated with our progress and current volunteer opportunities. Our website also has a volunteer form where you can sign up to adopt a facility or contribute to our Care Package Initiative.

 

What types of volunteering opportunities do you have? 

Currently, we are looking for volunteers to “adopt” a facility to create and deliver Care Packages. We are also always looking for donations of handwritten cards, coloring books, color pencils, and more! Please feel free to check out our volunteer & donation form on our website to learn more about these opportunities and sign up.

 

What are your Covid-19 precautions? 

We store all of our packages for at least 72 hours before delivering them to facilities. While delivering the packages, we make sure that our volunteers are wearing gloves and masks. Furthermore, the facilities have their own “customs process” where they disinfect packages and store them for at least 24 hours before distributing them to residents. We highly value safety & health, therefore, we keep our volunteers informed about the necessary precautions. 

 

How can I become a member? 

You can simply fill our volunteer form to adopt a facility & make care packages. Anyone can sign up regardless of age and location. We are always willing to work with you to navigate through any obstacles!

 

How can I collect donations? 

We have found much success with apps such as NextDoor, which allows users to create posts that are displayed to your neighborhood and surrounding areas. Through NextDoor, we have received numerous donations of items that people may have at home. Another very popular platform that has been very helpful for us is Facebook. By posting in Facebook groups, local residents expressed interest in creating handwritten cards and donating items.

 

What types of donations do we collect? 

We are collecting donations of adult coloring books, word search/crossword books, color pencils, handwritten cards, reading books, magazines, board games, puzzles, and snacks. If you would like to make a financial donation, please check out our GoFundMe page listed on our website & social media.

 

Who can I contact for more information?  

You can message us through social media or you can reach out to us via email: dfwcovidcheckin@gmail.com. If you’d like, we can provide you with a phone number of one of our board members so you can speak to one of us directly!

 

How will our mission evolve during post-pandemic times? 

Though the pandemic will eventually end, the impact that it has caused to our society will last a long time. We would like to continue serving impacted areas and populations post-pandemic! Our initiatives have opened our eyes to various populations that could truly benefit from our love and service. We want to continue giving back, pandemic, or not!

 

What other projects do we have in mind? 

With the shift to online schooling, many students and families have had a difficult time adjusting.  Students who were already in facilities, such as homeless shelters, have struggled greatly due to the pandemic. Our next project aims to create Care Packages for these students and children to uplift their spirits and giving them a personal touch of love. 

 

Who can be a volunteer? 

Anyone! We are always looking for individuals and groups willing to “adopt” a facility and create Care Packages.

 

What should I write in a handwritten card?

Handwritten Cards can be addressed “To Someone Special” or “Dear Friend” or something along those lines. Since we serve a variety of facilities, including Assisted Living Facilities, Nursing Homes, Memory Care Centers, it is best to avoid mentioning the name/type of facilities.

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     Here is an example of a message you can write:

 

Hello Friend!

I just wanted to check in on you! I hope you are doing well during these tough times. I wanted to remind you that you are so loved and special! I am sending many smiles and sunshine your way! I hope you have a blessed day filled with so much joy!

Your Friend,

(Your First Name)

How do we obtain the supplies for a Care Package?

We encourage you to start off by spreading the word to your friends, family, and community through social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.) and the NextDoor App. Inform them about this project and that you are collecting items and monetary donations. We have included flyers and the GoFundMe Page in our volunteer packet, social media, and website for everyone to access.

 

Additionally, our team can supply you with any supplies that you may need! We are consistently fundraising and collecting donation items. If needed, we can provide reimbursements to our volunteers if a receipt is provided. 

 

How many senior residents are in each facility?

Anywhere from 10 to 100! 

 

How are the facilities assigned?

In order to make this process the most convenient, we try to find a facility in your area. As stated above, the facility size varies. If you are uncertain about making a large number of packages, the number of packages can be split between multiple volunteers!

 

I can’t leave my house, what can I do?

You can create packages at home, make handwritten cards, advertise on social media, share our Go Fund Me, and/or collect donations. We can always arrange contactless/porch pickups!

 

Do you accept gently used items?

Yes! However, we prefer unused coloring books and puzzle books. 

 

Can we form groups to make Care Packages?

Yes! We encourage you to gather your friends and family to make Care Packages!

 

Can I get volunteer hours for donating items, making cards, or making packages?

Yes! Just send us an email at dfwcovidcheckin@gmail.com with your verification form/link.