The Red Cross has an ongoing critical need for blood and platelet donations due to the unprecedented number of blood drive cancellations during the COVID-19 outbreak. To help combat the shortage, the Red Cross is asking healthy donors to give blood and platelets. The Red Cross has implemented additional precautions to ensure blood drive safety, including temperature checks for workers and donors; providing hand sanitizer for use before and during the donation process, spacing beds to follow social distancing practices and enhanced disinfection of surfaces and equipment.
Giving to the Community
COVID-19 is impacting all of us. The St. Louis Cardinals are committed to supporting the community during this unprecedented time. We are fortunate to work with a number of amazing partners who are providing critical resources and aid to those most impacted in our region. We have compiled some information on ways you can help, resources to educate yourself on COVID-19, where you can go if you need support, and additional resources that you may find helpful. This page will be updated as more information becomes available, so check back often. We're all in this together.
GIVE SUPPORT
BLOOD DONATIONS
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SSM Health & BJC HealthCare
SSM Health and BJC HealthCare have partnered to receive and distribute donations of medical supplies. The goal is to assist St. Louis area hospitals with personal protective equipment and other important supplies needed to care for people with COVID-19.
FOOD DONATIONS
The Cardinals have partnered with three organizations that are helping to feed children, families and seniors in need during this time.
Crisis Aid International’s Wings of Love and Care program will continue to help families in the St. Louis area to provide food for families experiencing food shortages.
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St. Louis Area Foodbank is working to support children, families, seniors and other impacted individuals by distributing over 3.5 million meals to those in need in the bi-state region.
Operation Food Search is working to address the crucial need of children while schools are out by providing grab n’ go meals for children 18 years and younger and provide emergency food packs to school districts and independent schools to get food to student families.
ST. LOUIS COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
The St. Louis Community Fund's COVID-19 Regional Response Fund will direct aid to local nonprofit organizations delivering services to people affected by the virus including children, the elderly and isolated.
SALVATION ARMY MIDLAND DIVISION
The Salvation Army anticipates a significant increase in emergency assistance needs for those facing layoffs, limited hours, childcare challenges and more due to COVID-19. The support they provide includes rent/mortgage, utility, food assistance and safe shelter.
UNITED WAY GREATER ST. LOUIS
United Way’s COVID-19 response efforts include:
- Address the lack of cleaning and sanitation supplies, food resources, personal care, baby supplies, hygiene items, and access to health resources and childcare services (including distribution of food, hot meals, and household products).
- Provide basic needs support to prevent homelessness and aid in stabilization of community residents (including emergency utility, rent, and mortgage assistance).
- Respond to calls for mental health and trauma counseling for children and adults.
- Support the unique needs of seniors throughout our region.
- Provide employment support for those who become ill or displaced.
SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS & NONPROFITS
Rise Up For Heroes
- Celebrate our front-line heroes. Support the organizations that help our communities. Share in what makes our region great. Rise up with the St. Louis Cardinals and St. Louis Blues. Visit riseupforheroes.org to learn more.
Local Restaurants
- While restaurants have closed their dining rooms, many have remained open to provide takeout, curbside or delivery options. When doing takeout or curbside, limit your in-person contact and make sure that if you are waiting on your order, to stand at least six-feet apart from others. For delivery opt you can opt for a no-contact delivery where your order is left on your doorstep.
- If you are not able to patronize a favorite restaurant, consider purchasing a gift card that can be used later when places reopen.
Donate
- If you have a cause that is important to you, consider donating to an area non-profit to help them through these times and help them continue their work. If you want to donate, but are unsure of where to direct your aid, please review the Cardinals “Ways to Give” for ideas.
RESOURCES
CENTERS FOR DISEASE AND PREVENTION CONTROL
Learn how to protect yourself and prevent the spread of COVID-19 by adhering to best practices recommended by the CDC.
AREA GOVERNMENT INFORMATION & RESOURCES
Learn the latest updates on COVID-19 in your area and how to access resources as it relates to the virus.
Each state, city and county has their own site with updates and resources available during this time. Please make sure to check in with your local government sites to ensure that you are adhering to the proper guidelines and can access resources you need in your community.
HEALTH SYSTEMS
BJC - As the COVID-19 pandemic brings unprecedented challenges to the St. Louis region, BJC HealthCare and the other health care systems in the region are united in our mission to support the St. Louis community through these difficult times. We are working in close partnership with local and state health departments and our academic medical institutions. Knowledge, vigilance and cooperation will enable the St. Louis community to weather the COVID-19 pandemic together.
Mercy - A novel coronavirus (COVID-19) team with Mercy’s top experts is working every day to make sure Mercy is prepared and ready to care for our communities. Mercy is also working closely with local and state health departments, as well as with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to ensure they have the most up-to-date information about a rapidly changing situation.
SSM Health - SSM Health has created a screening questionnaire based on CDC guidelines to help those feeling ill determine the most appropriate steps for getting care. Virtual Visits for COVID-19 screening are offered free of charge. SSM Health thanks you for your patience as they are handling an extremely high volume of virtual visits.
Community Support
We are fortunate to work with a number of amazing partners who are providing critical resources and aid to those who need it most in our region.
GET SUPPORT
FOOD SUPPORT
GREATER ST. LOUIS AREA FOODBANK - The Greater St. Louis Area Foodbank is working to support children, families, seniors and other impacted individuals by distributing over 3.5 million meals to those in need in the bi-state region.
OPERATION FOOD SEARCH - Call our Hunger Hotline at 314-726-5355 to find food near you or can also TEXT your ZIP CODE to (785) 503-3310.
DOMESTIC ABUSE SUPPORT
ALIVE, Inc. - ALIVE's mission is to provide counseling, emergency sanctuary and other critical services to adults and children impacted by domestic abuse, as well as to increase awareness in order to create a supportive community. While their physical office is currently closed, ALIVE advocates continue to support clients remotely with video counseling and court advocacy. The 24-hour crisis line and Nights of Safety shelter program are both still operational.
ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS
BUDGETING BUDDIES
The Cardinals teamed up with Scott Credit Union to develop a financial literacy program that introduces students to the importance of making smart financial decisions. Normally shared with educators, the program is being opened up to allow parents to utilize the curriculum while students learn remotely.
SUMMER SLUGGER
The Summer Slugger program was developed to combat summer learning loss during vacation months, but is even more relevant for students now when they may struggle with knowledge retention due to school closures. The course -- designed for 4th and 5th graders (ages 8-11) -- focuses on math & literacy skills and teaches these concepts through a baseball-themed, gamified experience. Since 2017, over 8,000 students have participated throughout the Cardinals market.
2020 EduCup Challenge
We're excited to be bringing energy to education by participating in the first-ever virtual education competition, #EduCupChallenge. From May 18 - May 29, students nationwide will complete Summer Slugger challenges for the chance to win the 2020 EduCup! Visit educupchallenge.com for more information on how to participate!
CAP AT HOME
The Cardinals Academic Program is a field trip program at Busch Stadium that integrates the game of baseball with school curriculum and provides hands-on activities in various locations at Busch Stadium. Right now we have created some modified CAP activities to do at home. If you are curious about our field trip program for the future, take a look at this year’s brochure and the promotional video below.
MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL
MLB RESOURCES, UPDATES AND HOW TO HELP
Learn the latest news and updates from MLB and how to help during this time.