Many people have reached out to Sippican Week asking if we know of anyways to help people during the spread of coronavirus. So, we’ve compiled a list of safe ways to help those in need, whether it be donating food and money, or making a video of encouragement for senior citizens. 

This list will be updated as we hear of more volunteer opportunities, so check back regularly. To submit more ways to help, email editor@sippicanweek.com or reporter@sippicanweek.com. 

Tri-Town:

— Upload a photo, video or words of encouragement to senior citizens in the area in partnership with ORCTV.
— Buy gift cards from local businesses to use at a later date
— Order takeout from places that are still open 
— Buy groceries locally-owned rather than corporate stores
    — Marion General Store  
    — Friend’s Market in Rochester 
    — Lloyd’s Market in Rochester 
— Donate to help keep Sippican Week in operation

• Marion:

• — Food bank - drop non-perishables at the community center, fire station or police station. Or send a check to town hall
• — Donate to the Marion Friends of the Council on Aging to support senior services and programming  http://www.fmcoa.org/donations/
• — Sperry Sails: donate to help the business make masks and keep employees working at paypal.me/sperrysails. 
• — Shop at Serendipity online

Mattapoisett:

— Friendly callers program - call Elizabeth Leatham at 508-758-4110 or email outreachcoa@mattapoisett.net.
— Donate to Friends of Jack or buy a mask and another will be donated  https://friendsofjack.org/donate-now
— Drop off non-perishable food items at the Mattapoisett YMCA at 38 Reservation Rd.
— Shop at Isabelle's - posting products on Facebook, DM or call to place order

Rochester:

— Buy t-shirts to support Matt’s Blackboard here.

General ways to help:

• — Volunteer to shop for seniors if willing and able
• — Donate blood — there’s a nationwide shortage
• — Start a phone call chain to check in on people
• — Put a message of support on your door or lawn thanking first responders
• — Make sure to bag your trash and wash recyclables to keep trash collectors safe
• — Call relatives
• — Sew masks if you’re able to
• — Wave at people you pass