Standing Together While Staying Apart
During this time of separation, at the Irish Diaspora Center, our Board, Staff, and an incredible group of volunteers stand ready to help anyone in need throughout the community. With help from all our friends in the Irish community (GAA, Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, The Irish Center and IABCN), we have created the “Community of Caring Program” which is here to serve you, your family, your neighbors, and co-workers in the following ways.
Food Assistance Program
This Sunday, April 6, 2020, we will begin collecting food and other personal items for distribution to those in the community who may need a hand with filing the cupboards. To donate, please take a look at the items for donation and drop them off at one of the three drop off locations throughout the community:
Delaware County: Paddy Rooney’s Pub (rear parking lot)
Glenside Area: 2444 Ardsley Ave, Glenside
Northeast Area: Commodore Barry Arts and Culture Center, 6815 Emlen Street, Philadelphia (outside the garage)
If you prefer to drop off gift cards to grocery stores and pharmacies, please do not drop those in the containers. Gift cards can be left in the mailboxes at either:
Delaware County: 2422 Saint Denis Lane, Havertown
Glenside Area: 2444 Ardsley Ave,
Northeast Area: 4027 N Warner Rd, Lafayette Hill
We will also be purchasing perishable items to complete food packages. If you would like to donate funds to help with this endeavor, please click on this link.
If you or someone you know may need some supplies to get through this period of time, please fill out this confidential form. Our volunteers will happily deliver to a porch or you can pick up at the Irish Diaspora Center by scheduling a time for pick up by texting 484-886-9028.
Resources for the Time
We understand that this time is extremely confusing with changes in job security, immigration questions, medical questions, and mental health needs. Please know that the IDC is standing with you and that we have a number of experts in various fields who can help answer your questions. Please let us know if you need to speak with a human resources expert, a criminal attorney, an immigration attorney, a mental health professional, or some other professional. All of our services are free and confidential.
Non-Home Helpers and Porch Buddies
Understandably, we cannot provide at-home help at this time, but we can help with running errands to the grocery store or pharmacy, mowing lawns, setting up porch furniture, etc.
Perhaps you know someone who just wants a little human interaction. We also have porch buddies who can pay them a visit by sitting on their front lawn for a chat and will maintain the appropriate social distance.
Ways You Can Be Involved
Donate food or funds
Volunteer to be a porch buddy or non-home helper
Lend your expertise in some area at this time
Let us know if you or someone in your life is in need of help
Contact the Irish Diaspora Center at ciaran@idcphila.org to sign up.
