Newly launched Pittsburgh chapter of larger national movement aimed at connecting those in need with those able to help. Pandemic of Love Pittsburgh has been launched as an extension of a larger national/international mutual aid movement (Pandemicoflove.com) that started only six weeks ago and has already connected over 40,000 patrons with people in need as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Just as this virus has spread rapidly, now too have extraordinary acts of kindness and love for neighbors in need. Volunteer operated, and started by nationally recognized activist extraordinaire Shelly Tygielski, in her home state of Florida, Pandemic of Love has now established microcommunities throughout the Nation aimed at connecting those in need with those willing to help on a local level. While there are many ways to provide aid within a community, what is special about Pandemic of Love is the personal connection between patrons and people in need.

After completing a Request for Need/Commitment to Help form online, volunteers create matches that connect people in a tangible way to give quickly, discretely and directly. In these times of isolation, the personal connection established between patrons and people in need, in our own community, is the heart of this movement. There is no catch. Kind people are introduced to kind people which results in an act of kindness and connection. General donations are also an option and very welcome.

Anyone throughout Pittsburgh in need of essentials to help weather this crisis, or anyone able to help a local family with funds for groceries, medicine, etc, is urged to reach out. Help is available throughout the Nation for family or friends elsewhere. To learn more about this movement, go to Pandemicoflove.com.

Forms are available to Pittsburgh residents by following links:

GET HELP: https://bit.ly/gethelppgh

GIVE HELP: https://bit.ly/givehelppgh

Those interested in volunteering for this effort or with questions, please email pandemicoflovepittsburgh@gmail.com.

USCHS sophomore Vidhur Senthil received a mini grant through the Community Foundation of Upper St. Clair to offer a voluntary grocery delivery service. Vidhur will coordinate volunteers to deliver groceries to USC residents who are essential workers or those at a high risk of contracting COVID-19. These people may include busy doctors, senior citizens and people with pre-existing conditions.

This service will have no extra delivery fee making it very accessible for everyone. The grant will be used to provide 25 $10 gift cards, which will be given to volunteers who complete three deliveries. Vidhur has created online forms for those interested in delivery or volunteering: delivery sign up form | volunteer sign up form 

For more information, contact Vidhur at grocerydelivery412@gmail.com or visit www.grocerydelivery412.com.

CHIP is short for the Children's Health Insurance Program - Pennsylvania's program to provide health insurance to uninsured children and teens who are not eligible for or enrolled in Medical Assistance. Nine out of 10 CHIP parents report satisfaction with their child’s health plan, and 96% received an appointment for check-ups and vaccinations as soon as they wanted.

There are a lot of reasons kids might not have health insurance - maybe their parents lost a job, don't have health insurance at work or maybe it just costs too much. Whatever the reason, CHIP may be able to help. All families need to do is apply today.

Internet Essentials from Comcast offers low-cost Internet service, discounted computer equipment and free digital literacy training to families with at least one child eligible to participate in the National School Lunch Program. 

Internet Essentials Includes:

• 10 Mbps Internet service for just $9.95 a month + tax
• No activation fees and no equipment rental fees
• Option to purchase a computer for just $149.99 + tax
• Access to free Internet training online, in print and in person
• A wireless gateway, delivering in-home WiFi at no additional cost

For additional information about Internet Essentials, including program eligibility criteria, please visit www.internetessentials.com.