How can Utahns volunteer this Giving Tuesday during a pandemic? - KSL.com

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to strain the health care system and the economy, it seems donations and volunteers are needed now more than ever.

While the need for help is there, it can be difficult to find ways to give back amid a global crisis that limits contact with each other in order to limit the spread of the virus — both Intermountain Healthcare and University of Utah Health have put a temporary pause on accepting volunteer applications until COVID-19 cases decrease.

Prior to the pandemic, the Utah State Hospital had more than 300 volunteers per college semester — now, that number is down to about 20 in order to follow COVID-19 health guidelines.

"It's been hard for the volunteers and for us, we love having them and they love coming," said Cami Roundy, director of volunteer services at the hospital.

For the about 320 patients at the hospital, the pandemic has taken its toll, Roundy said.

One thing the hospital is looking forward to is its annual Forgotten Patient Christmas Project, where community members or businesses can sponsor patients that would otherwise be forgotten due to a lack of family or other circumstances.

While Roundy is confident the hospital will get enough sponsors by Christmas, she said they usually have enough sponsors by early December.

United Way of Salt Lake, a local charity focused on creating lasting solutions for those struggling educationally, facing poverty and poor health, is also accepting donations and volunteers during the pandemic