How You Can Help in Owatonna

While we are instructed to stay in our homes and socially distant from others at this time, there are still needs to be met and ways people can help while still observing safety guidelines in regard to the coronavirus outbreak. The United Way of Steele County publicized an update from some of their partner agencies on their www.unitedwaysteelecounty.org website Wednesday.

The American Red Cross is in need of blood donations. Walk-ins are being accepted on Monday, March 30 at Unlimited Possibilities Dance Studio at 136 Oakdale St. in Owatonna from 8 to 1:30 pm. Other local blood drives include the Dodge Center American Legion Tuesday, March 31 from 1 to 6 pm and St. Michael's Catholic Church in Kenyon on April 6 from 1 to 7 pm. To make an appointment go to www.redcrossblood.org.

Rachel's Light home for women and children is not accepting referrals presently, but you can visit their website for information on donation needs and drop them off.

SEMCAC is looking for volunteer drivers for the Meals on Wheels program. Drivers report around 10:30 am and the route takes about 60-90 minutes to complete. Call 507-3195 for more information. The Owatonna Foundation made a recent donation to SEMCAC and Community Pathways. The Marketplace (formerly the Steele County Food Shelf) remains open for curbside pick-up. Unique Finds, however, is closed due to health concerns.

The Catholic Daughters of Owatonna have made a plea for elastic that are needed to sew together face masks for healthcare professionals. Elastic 1/8-inch and 1/4-inch are requested and can be dropped off at a collection box at the Owatonna Post Office. Individuals and Owatonna companies are asked to drop off masks at the Owatonna Healthcare Campus. Cybex and Black Forest combined to donate 500 specialized masks in Owatonna.