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If you want to help people during the coronavirus pandemic, you can donate that most precious commodity — toilet paper.
Salt Lake County Aging and Adult Services is collecting wrapped, unopened packages of toilet paper to help seniors who can’t get out of the house to buy their own, the agency wrote on its Facebook page Monday afternoon.
Donations of toilet paper are being taken between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at any of the county’s senior centers. Call 385-468-3200, or go to the agency’s website, to find a center near you.
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Wednesday is Red Cross Giving Day, and the Utah chapter of the American Red Cross is urging people to donate money — and blood — during the coronavirus outbreak.
In an email to potential donors, the Red Cross touted its mission of providing aid during home fires and other disasters, maintaining supplies of blood, helping military families and teaching first aid and CPR.
“Unfortunately, these emergencies aren’t taking a break in the midst of this pandemic,” the email said.
Last week, the Red Cross put out a call for people to donate blood. Most blood drives take place in businesses, schools and colleges — most of which have been closed to prevent mass gatherings.
To give blood, start by going to the Red Cross’s website, redcrossblood.org. Type in your ZIP code, and the site will direct you to blood drives near you. The Red Cross will also text you if a blood drive is canceled, and locate a different one.
The American Red Cross’ blood donation sites are open in Murray, Ogden, Provo and St. George. You should make an appointment first — this cuts down on waiting time, and allows you to fill out the pre-screening questionnaire ahead of time.
You must be healthy and feeling well to be a blood donor. You will have your temperature taken before donating.
