BERRIEN COUNTY, Mich. - Officials in Berrien County are calling out for residents to volunteer for or donate towards the COVID-19 response efforts. 

The United Way of Southwest Michigan is looking for volunteers who are willing and able to help in a variety of ways during this time.

Volunteers may be needed to help with food distribution, cleaning, laundry, and more on an "on-call" basis, which means they will only contact if a specific need arises.

Details about dates, locations, and more will be shared if and when the need presents itself. You can sign up to volunteer at the United Way website.

Donations are also being solicited from residents who can contribute supplies, materials, or funds to the organizations fighting the virus.

All donations received through the UWSM will benefit organizations and facilities that serve the vulnerable/at-risk populations who are unable to source supplies on their own, and are still serving people in-person with the possibility of close physical contact. 

Starting on Monday, April 13th, donations can be dropped off at the United Way of Southwest Michigan office at 2015 Lakeview Avenue in St. Joseph, Michigan. The drop off times will be Mondays from 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm and Fridays from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm.

The following is a list of the items they are especially in need of:

• Clothing
  • New, clean socks and underwear
  • Scrubs, new or gently used

• New PPE/Medical Supplies 
  • N95/Surgical masks
  • Isolation masks
  • Handmade masks
  • Masks with face shields/visor
  • Face shields
  • Goggles/safety glasses
  • Gloves
  • Thermometers
  • Disposable medical gowns
  • Ponchos

• New Cleanings Supplies
  • Bleach wipes
  • Hand sanitizer

• Food Items
  • Shelf stable snacks
  • Shelf stable microwavable meals

• New Hygiene Items (Travel Size/Disposable)
  • Soap
  • Shampoo
  • Toothbrushes
  • Toothpaste
  • Deodorant
  • Feminine car products
  • Shaving cream 
  • Razors

For those who are able to contribute to the cause financially, visit the Southwest Michigan Cares website.

You can also text SWMICARES to 41444 to donate from a mobile device or send checks to:

Berrien Community Foundation
Southwest Michigan Cares Fund
2900 S. State Street, Ste 2E
St. Joseph, MI 49085