BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Thousands of people in Massachusetts are stocking up and hunkering down into isolation, as the coronavirus pandemic puts much of daily life on hold. Governor Charlie Baker is asking for no large crowds over 250 people, and dozens of schools are closing for weeks at a time.
Although the near-constant news of cancelations, lockdowns, illnesses, and new preventative health measures can feel like a lot, there are countless people across Massachusetts communities who are stepping up to help those in need around them.
Here are a few ways Bay Staters are banding together amid the coronavirus pandemic.
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Norfolk/Worcester County Restaurants Are Feeding Kids For Free
It started with Goodstuff Smokehouse in Blackstone, MA announcing "any student that comes in during weekday lunchtime (parents or not) will be given a free kids meal togo. No questions asked. We will continue to do this until area schools are back to normal."
That generous idea has since caught on among several other local eateries, including PJ's Smoke 'N' Grill in Medway, and 140 Pub N Club in Bellingham.
Somerville Is Helping The Homeless Population
The Greater Somerville Homeless Coalition is raising money to help some of the people who are at the highest-risk for catching coronavirus; Boston's homeless population.
Since the outbreak of coronavirus forced them to cancel their Gala, the Somerville Coalition has taken their fundraiser online. As of Saturday afternoon the Coalition is more than $13,000 towards its $70,000 goal. To help support Boston's homeless population during the COVID-19 outbreak, click here.
Meals And Supplies For BPS Low-Income Families
A group called Violence In Boston Inc. is providing free meals for BPS kids, and is accepting donations to help low income families around Boston impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.
Starting Sunday March 15 until Friday March 20, volunteers will be collecting supplies like soap, toilet paper, and hand sanitizer to donate to Boston's families in need. They will be serving lunch and dinner for any BPS child in need of a meal.
Help For Displaced University Students
Thanks to the Charles River Mutual Aid Program, activists from various universities are mobilizing to provide mutual aid to students and other Boston-area residents who are in need of resources amid the COVID-19 outbreak.
For students who have been kicked off their campuses, the organization will try to provide housing and storage space, although it is limited. They will be pooling funds in a Mutual Aid Fund to purchase food, medical supplies, and other necessities, and organizing to provide these resources to the community. Click here for more.
Assistance For Boston Musicians Losing Work
The Boston Music Maker Relief Fund has been set up by The Record Co. to help Boston-based musicians whose work has been impacted by the coronavirus outbreak.
The organization will pay out $200 relief grants on a first come first serve basis. Click here for more.
A Harvard Med Group Is Caring For The Senior Population
A group from Harvard Medical School says it is "making itself a hub for local efforts to care for the aged, isolated & needy during coronavirus."
The so-called Neighborhood Aid Network is helping people in need from Cambridge to Jamaica Plain by helping pick up groceries, giving rides to doctors appointments, and simply letting people know they are not alone. Click here for more.
You can send us stories about ways to help your local community, and acts of kindness during the coronavirus outbreak, by emailing WBZWebStaff@iHeartMedia.com
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