Point Loma-OB news briefs: Local coronavirus relief takes many forms
Rock Church delivers meals to hospitals and police
Point Loma’s Rock Church has banded together with area restaurants and delivery services to aid front-line hospital workers and first responders. So far, nearly 3,700 meals have been delivered to 13 hospitals throughout San Diego County as part of the church’s coronavirus relief efforts, according to the church.
On April 30, Rock Church senior pastor Miles McPherson and NFL Hall of Fame wide receiver Andre Reed delivered 50 meals to the San Diego Police Department and 50 more to the San Diego 911 call center.
Mental health support during COVID-19
San Diego County Supervisor Nathan Fletcher’s office released a COVID-19 mental health resources list, stating, “We know that many San Diegans are struggling to maintain not just their physical health but their mental and emotional well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
A news release included tips for coping, such as:
- Maintain meal, exercise and bedtime routines.
- Connect with others safely, using technology.
- Stay informed, but avoid overindulging in news.
- Share concerns with family members and friends.
Those experiencing a mental health crisis and are in need of immediate help can call the Access and Crisis Line at (888) 724-7240, available 24 hours a day in more than 150 languages.
For a list of more resources, such as materials to help parents talk to their children about COVID-19 and give them a healthy outlet to express themselves, visit bit.ly/coronavirusmentalhealthsd.
For more information and updates, visit coronavirus-sd.com.
Ocean Beach resident Jill Treppa sent this photo of her grandchildren helping a neighbor by doing yard work. Killian, a Star Scout of Point Loma-based Troop 500, weeded around a palm tree, and he and his sister Lorelei, who is both a Tiger Cub Scout of Point Loma-based Pack 546 and a Daisy Girl Scout, laid a fabric barrier with mulch around the tree to complete the job. Now they are making masks and delivering them to the San Diego Police Department to give to homeless people in OB.
S.D. Foundation makes $1 million in new grants to local groups
The San Diego Foundation recently announced $1 million in additional rapid response grants to local nonprofit organizations providing food and financial assistance to senior citizens, children, restaurant workers and others through the San Diego COVID-19 Community Response Fund.
To date, the fund has granted $2.7 million to San Diego organizations working on the front line to support individuals, families and communities affected by the coronavirus outbreak.
Businesses and individuals can donate and find more information about the San Diego COVID-19 Community Response Fund at SDFoundation.org/COVID19. Nonprofit organizations can find information there about how to request grant funding or an interest-free loan.
DMV extends expiration dates for driver’s licenses
The California Department of Motor Vehicles is extending the expiration dates for driver’s licenses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Licenses for drivers younger than 70 that expire between March and May are now valid through May 31.
The extensions require no action on the part of drivers.
The DMV encourages drivers who are eligible to renew their licenses online.
Girl Squad Fitness holds virtual classes
Girl Squad Fitness, a San Diego-based after-school program for girls, is offering virtual classes, giving girls in grades 3-5 opportunities to get their bodies moving, laugh, play games, share stories and support one another.
Girl Squad Fitness blends creative fitness with activities that focus on self-confidence, self-acceptance and positive peer interactions.
“Creating this program has greatly impacted my life and I want to do my part to help the girls in our community and beyond navigate through their days while staying at home,” founder Elise Bernier said via email.
Classes are held from 2 to 2:40 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays via Zoom. All girls in grades 3-5 may join, though classes are limited to 10 participants.
The price is a recommended donation of $5 to $10 per class. If a family is unable to pay, the student may join for free.
Contact Bernier at Elise@GirlSquadFitness.com. Sign-ups and more information are available at GirlSquadFitness.com.