The ‘STEP UP’ Vermilion County leadership group is launching some new efforts to help county residents being adversely affected by the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. Deanna Witzel, one of the leaders of the group, says members are concerned about three particular areas….
{”The first was small businesses, particularly some of the locally-owned restaurants that are really struggling. People can’t go in and sit down – so that was one. The second one was mental health – the concern of people that aren’t socially active – aren’t able to get out of their house. That maybe were already having some mental health issues or depression issues – that this is magnifying that. So ways that we can support them. And also the elderly, and ways that we can help support them as well,” said Witzel.}
One way the group is asking citizens to help is by rounding up what you pay at local businesses. Deanna Witzel of STEP UP Vermilion County says right now many businesses are struggling to stay open. She notes by rounding up your bill, your extra dollars will show the businesses you care.
Another way to support the effort, says Witzel, is by picking up some extra food or hygiene products while you are out shopping…..
{”Picking up some extra groceries when you’re shopping, you know, what you can afford, and then donating it to anyone of the local food pantries. We have several food pantries in Vermilion County. Or give a cash donation so that they can purchase the things that they need,” added Witzel during an interview with VermilionCountyFirst.com News.}
And the third way to help STEP UP during the pandemic is by offering mental health support. Many people are isolated and discouraged. Depression, anxiety, domestic violence, and suicide rates are on the rise, said Witzel. So STEP UP leaders are encouraging the public to show you care by putting hearts in your windows, posting You Matter signs in your yard, sending cards to local nursing homes, or scheduling a Zoom call with someone you love.
The STEP UP group notes the cost of food is rising as food pantries serve hundreds of families each month. And those families need help at a time when high unemployment rates bogged down the IDES system. The department has been working to resolve those problems.
