Help Me Hank: Resources during COVID-19 outbreak

DETROIT – During this coronavirus pandemic, our Help Me Hank team wants to make sure we’re there for you as best as we can be.

We’re putting together a whole list of organizations, businesses, companies, etc. that are helping their community members. Whether it’s slashing prices on food, preparing meals for kids not in school, designation shopping times for seniors -- we want to make sure you’re getting the help you need.

If you’re a business that would like to be included, please email our team at HelpMeHank@wdiv.com.

We will update this list consistently -- keep checking back!

MORE: Coronavirus in Michigan: Here’s where we stand today

SHOPPING

Some retailers are setting aside time for senior citizens, the most vulnerable customers, to shop.

Alcamo’s Market: This Italian/grocery market is doing things to help the community as well. They’re doing a seniors only (60+) shopping hour from 9am-10am from Tuesday through Saturday. During this time, seniors get 10% off their total purchase. The grocery store is also delivering items as well. The store is located at 4423 Schaefer Road in Dearborn.

Big Lots: Stores are reserving the first hour of each day for senior citizens and those who are most vulnerable to the virus. Check the website for a store near you and when it opens.

Costco: On Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, Costco warehouses will open from 8 to 9 a.m. for members ages 60 and older, and for those with physical impairments. During this early hour, the pharmacy will be open, but the Costco Food Court will not.

Dollar General: Seniors and at-risk people are encouraged to come in for the first hour of operation from 8am-9am.

Kroger: Seniors, expectant mothers, first responders and those with compromised immune systems have a dedicated hour of shopping. It’s on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 7-8am.

Meijer: Stores and pharmacies will provide dedicated shopping times for senior citizens and customers with chronic health conditions on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7am-8am. Also, Meijer stores will now be closing at 10pm, overnight.

Nino Salvaggio: Open 7am-8am, daily for those immunity-deficient patrons. There are four locations; 17496 Hall Road, Clinton Township, 27900 Harper Ave., St. Clair Shores, 6592 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township and 6835 Rochester Road, Troy.

​Papa Joe’s Gourmet Market: The store is setting aside hours for seniors (62+), pregnant women, those who are disabled and those with compromised immune systems. The hours are 8am-9am on Mondays and Thursdays. Shoppers can also utilize the curbside personal shopping service online.

Sam’s Club: The chain is introducing two new programs to support seniors, those with disabilities or compromised immune systems.

• Special Shopping Hours: Every Tuesday and Thursday from 7am-9am.
• Concierge “Shop from Your Car” Service: During the special shopping hours, Sam’s Club members can shop from a designated parking location, place the order from their car, a store associate will grab the items on the list and bring them to the car.

Target: The first hour of shopping each Wednesday at stores is reserved for vulnerable patrons. Target opens at 8am.

Trader Joe’s: The specialty supermarket will reserve the first hour of shopping for senior customers from 9am-10am. Many of the stores are also practicing social distancing by only letting a few shoppers in at a time.

Vince & Joe’s Gourmet Market: Open from 8am-9am for those over 60, pregnant women and those with disabled or compromised immune systems. There are two locations; 55178 Van Dyke Ave., Shelby Township and 41790 Garfield Road, Clinton Township.

Walgreens: The store is rolling out new services for seniors during the pandemic. Every Tuesday from 8am-9am is “seniors only” shopping hour. The chain says customers 55 and older can also get special offers and discounts online on Tuesdays both online and in person.

Walmart: From March 24-April 28, stores will host an hour-long senior shopping event every Tuesday for customers 60 and older, which will start one hour before stores open.

Western Market: Located in downtown Ferndale, the store has special hours for seniors and people with compromised immune systems. The hours are from 8-9am.

Whole Foods Market: All customers who are 60 and older will be allowed to shop one hour before opening to the public.

FOOD

Pita Way: This healthy Mediterranean restaurant is offering food for kids and discounts for all. They're feeding kids for free anytime during their hours. Kids do not need to be present when parents pick up the order. The restaurant is also giving 10% off during the month. It has 9 locations in the Metro Detroit area; Brighton, Clarkston, Fenton, Lake Orion, Livonia, New Hudson, Troy, Warren and White Lake.

Gleaners Community Food Bank: The food bank is continuing to serve those in need during this unprecedented time. If you're in need, call 211 or visit the organization's distribution page to find out where food is being handed out in your community.

HOW YOU CAN HELP:

If you'd like to help Gleaners help other during this time, you can.

• Make a Donation to help the bank collect food.
• Create a Virtual Food Drive to help Gleaners purchase and deliver food to those who need it.

5-1 Diner: This Oxford restaurant has meal trains, food for the needy, carryout (12 hours/day) and delivery. The owner is also making sure all tips are going straight to the staff of the restaurant.

Andiamo: Offering BOGO offers, valued up to $25, for all call-in orders only. Guests may choose from limited menu with individual meals. To take advantage of this offer, call your nearest Andiamo location and mention BOGO when placing your order. These meal options are available Monday through Sunday from 12pm-8pm.

Big Boy: The restaurant chain is introducing a pantry, new value bundles, free delivery and car-hop services.

Carry-Out Bundles include:

• $20 Family Pack – any two entrees or sandwiches & 2 kids meals
• $20 Breakfast for Dinner, 4 Blockbusters – choice of eggs, bacon or sausage, hashbrowns + hotcakes
• $25 Classics Pack – Chose of 4 Big Boy’s and Slim Jim’s + 4 fries
• $25 Fish Fry – 2 fish & chips, 2 fried shrimp platters + 4 fries
• $25 Pasta Dinner – 4 servings of pasta + sauce, one large house salad, + 4 garlic rolls
• $25 Chicken Tender Family Pack – 10 tenders + 3 fries
• $25 Dinner for 2 – Any two entrees, one appetizer + 2 mini desserts

Big Boy is offering free kids meals with any adult entree of $5.99+. It's also offering 25% off carry-out, car-hop or free deliveries within 5 miles of restaurants.

Car-Hop is basically driving up and getting your food delivered to your car. Those locations include:

• 16880 Hall Rd., Clinton Township
• 3765 S. Rochester Rd., Rochester
• 20800 Haggerty Rd., Novi
• 1359 W. Main St., Gaylord
• 7800 Granger Rd., Cleveland
• This restaurant chain across the state is doing a lot to help feed the community during this pandemic. It’s partner with Meals on Wheels to donate soup to seniors in desperate need of food. Guests can order and donate soup for a senior online. (Link attached.) With each order, a Meals on Wheels senior will receive 20 cups of soup and Big Boy will also match that donation. A $10 donation will feed one senior soup for an entire month.

Chick-Fil-A: The restaurant -- usually located inside Somerset Mall in Troy -- has set up a take-out building in the parking lot. A portion of the proceeds will go to TechTown, a small business fund for Metro-Detroit. If you’re a first responder on the front lines of this pandemic, bring your badge because your meal is free.

Emagine Theatres: This is just a fun offer that we can’t forget to put on the list. You’re probably watching a lot of movies right now -- so why not pair it with movie theater popcorn? Egaine Theatres isn’t showing movies, but want to help you with your movie night. Lobbies will be open for carry-out orders for guests to enjoy freshly popped popcorn.

Emergency Food Hotline @ 586-574-4526: This can be used for senior residents and those with pre-existing conditions who are in need of food in Warren. It will be coordinated with local food pantries and volunteers from Warren.

Jillian’s Coney Island & Grille: This restaurant is located at 23 mile and Gratiot Avenue. They’ve been making hundreds of bag lunches for kids who rely on schools’ free lunch programs. They’re available Monday through Friday.

One-Eyed Betty’s: This restaurant in Ferndale is providing free kids lunches as long as possible from 11am-3pm.

The Better Business Bureau is also keeping up with a list of places as well. Check it out.

Delivery services (both online and by app) are making sure they delivery food with as little contact as possible. This could be a great option for your family and to help local businesses as well.

Focus: HOPE: The organization is doing a Food for Seniors program during this pandemic. It’s offering pre-packaged food boxes through a drive-up distribution. Hours for the drive-up: Monday through Thursday from 8am-4pm and Friday from 8am-12pm. Food center locations include: Westside Food Center at 1300 Oakman Blvd., Detroit, Inkster Food Center at 759 Inkster Road, Inkster and Eastside Food Center at 9151 Chalmers, Detroit. There are requirements:

• Provide proof of age 60+ (e.g. state ID card)
• Provide # of people in household
• Reside in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, or Washtenaw counties
• Income limits

1. 1-person household: $16,588 or below
2. 2-person household: $22,412 or below
3. 3-person household: $28,236 or below
4. 4-person household: $34,060 or below
5. 5+ person household: $5,824 or below per additional household member

For any questions about food pickup or delivery, please contact 313-494-4600

Quality Meats and Culinary Specialties: This company has fresh-cut meats, desserts, bakery items, etc. and is headquartered in Southwest Detroit. Due to the pandemic, it’s starting a new at-home delivery service, Monday through Friday. Order online or by phone (313-554-2500) and deliveries will be made the next day to your front door. Deliveries have to be by 10am in order for them to arrive the next business day. Orders can also be picked up at the Detroit Processing Facility.

Savorfull: Stock up and save by shopping online for healthy, nutritionist approved snacks and pantry staples excellent for those with food allergies/intolerances or specific dietary lifestyles. Free delivery to your doorstep!

Savorfull specializes in snacks for those with food allergies, celiac disease/gluten free, diabetes, plant based/vegan, kosher, keto, paleo and much more. The local company is also offering promo codes with your order:

• STAYHOME $5 OFF $50
• STAYSAFE $15 OFF $100
• STAYHEALTHY $20 OFF $150

V. Gonella’s: The deli located at 22069 Outer Drive in Dearborn is open for carryout.

Beau’s, Como’s, Social, and MEX: Peas and Carrots Hospitality’s restaurants (Beau’s, Como’s, Social, and MEX) will offer boxes of fresh produce available to purchase for $10 per box, with a 50% discount given to Peas & Carrots employees.

Produce boxes and curbside-pick up can be ordered by calling the restaurants.

• Beaus Grillery 248-626-2630
• Como’s 248-677-4439
• Social 248-594-4200
• Mex 248-723-0800

Peas & Carrots Hospitality and La Grasso Produce of Detroit: The two businesses are teaming up to sell boxes of fresh fruits and vegetables. They cost $10 a box, with a 50% discount to Peas & Carrots employees. The boxes will be sold by curb-side at the following restaurants; Beau's Grillery in Bloomfield Hills, Mex in Bloomfield Hills, Social Kitchen in Birmingham and Como's in Ferndale. Also, gratuities collected from carryout orders from the restaurants will go to an employee fund paid directly to the staff.

​The Torch: This nonprofit in Fowlerville is offering free lunches and dinners for people to pickup if they’re in need. Visit their website for information on dates and times for pickup.

The Rugby Grille Restaurant: This restaurant is located inside the Townsend Hotel in Birmingham. It’s now offering to-go orders from 6:30am - 9pm, daily. Call to place an order: 248-642-7900.

Jim Brady’s: This restaurant in Royal Oak is offering 50% off to any hospital staff on all curbside/carry out orders. They’re also offering half off bottled wine. There’s also a meal deal anyone can take advantage of; Meal for Four for $39. All tips will go to their unemployed team as well.

California Pizza Kitchen: In addition to providing traditional takeout and delivery, CPK is also launching “CPK Market”. The meal kits include recipes and ingredients to make lunch and dinner. Types of kits include; Raw Fruit and Veggies Box, Lettuce Wraps and Build-Your-Own Pizzas. There are also kits that have more traditional pantry needs like; dairy and pantry staples, uncooked meat and seafood, raw produce, dry pasta and desserts. Click the link for more information and prices.

Food for Seniors: Michigan has received additional federal dollars to help provide meals to seniors through a food delivery program. Seniors in need of extra support can sign up for assistance including; meal delivery, delivery of non-perishable food items and daily wellness-check calls.

Buddy’s Pizza: For the community, from 1:00-4:00 pm everyday, customers can order a half-baked pizza for $4 off the original price in their “$4 off before 4” campaign. You can use the online code “halfbaked” at checkout or say it over the phone. They’re good to stock in the freezer for up to 30 days. Also, to first responders and healthcare workers, the restaurant is offering 50% off their entire order throughout April.

JOBS

Many people in our community have emailed us after losing their job during this pandemic.

AJM Packaging: This company is a leading manufacturer of branded and private label paper products. It’s able to help those whose jobs have been lost, especially those who’ve been affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. From this pandemic, their own demand for production has increased. This workforce is identified as “Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers”. Current areas of work needed: machine technicians and trainees, general labor and junior mechanics and maintenance. Apply on the link or you can contact the company for more information. Email: greatjobs@ajmpack.com. Call: 833-562-7256.

CVS: The chain is looking to fill up to 50,000 jobs in its stores, distribution centers and delivery operations to keep up with demand.

Greenhouse of Walled Lake Dispensary: This recreational and medical marijuana is looking for about 20 employees. The business is doing curbside pickup during this pandemic. There’s a variety of positions available including managers, budtenders, etc.

J&B Medical: This is one of the largest suppliers, providing life-sustaining medical equipment and supplies. The company is immediately hiring full-time customer service representatives, and warehouse associates, and is headquartered in Wixom, Michigan. Filling these positions is critical because they assist patients with Type 1 diabetes cannot go without their test strips or CGM. Patients with urinary retention who cannot run out of catheters. New mothers with a baby that will not latch cannot go without a breast pump. Paramedics who cannot assist with a 911 call without King Airway Tubes and firefighters cannot perform his job without gloves. Visit their website for more information.

Jet’s Pizza: Opportunities are available for restaurant and bar workers, teachers and other individuals who are faced with unemployment amid layoffs in the current climate. On average, delivery drivers can make between $13 - $16 per hour, based on tips and mileage.

Kroger: Kroger has several openings at its retail stores, factories, and distribution centers across the US. Candidates could be placed for employment within several days of applying.

Adult Foster Care Facilities: This company is looking for Direct Care Workers. It's a 24-hour facility with full-time/part-time positions with flexible work schedules. Job duties include; assisting clients in learning Activities of Daily Living, plan and lead group activities, preparing clients to transition into a Semi-Indepedent Living Environment, etc. If you're not certified, they will train you for a State Certification.

This is just a snippet of information, for more on this job opportunity, click the link.

ScribeAmerica: This company places medical scribes in hospitals and clinics. Scribes are an integral part of those establishments, taking the paperwork load off of physicians’ shoulders. The company is hiring part-time and full-time options across Michigan along with telescribe work-from-home positions as well. Click the link for more information and where to apply.

Sun Communities: Sun reached out to our team saying they are hiring during this crisis. They have work from home options for new team members as well. There’s quite a few opportunities including sales and engineering jobs. Take a look on their site where you can also learn how to apply.

CommonSail: Company operates 11 Senior Living Communities throughout Michigan; Independence Village and StoryPoint. They’re looking for full time and part time employees in different roles such as: caregivers, dishwashers, servers, dietary aides, and housekeeping. Locations include: Ann Arbor, Brighton, Chesterfield Twp., Frankenmuth, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Midland, Oxford, Plymouth, White Lake.Click the links for more information.

Walgreens: The chain is adding 9,500 jobs in a variety of positions including customer service associates and pharmacy technicians. Walgreens says it plans to fill part of its wanted workforce by hiring furloughed workers from hotel chains. Current workers will also get bonuses.

Effex: Effex Management Solutions specializes in staffing and is hiring at Mastronardi Produce. Positions available include; production, packing, manufacturing, and quality/sanitation. If you or someone you know has been displaced from their job or is searching for a new career, you can call at 734-838-8075. You can also apply on the link attached.

Sherwin-Williams: An essential business, Sherwin-Williams supplies coatings, safety equipment and more to every critical infrastructure sector. There are full-time and part-time positions available in locations all over Metro-Detroit.

Senior Helpers: This business is hiring caregivers, serving many communities in Metro-Detroit and the state of Michigan. If you’re interested for more information, click the link or contact the owner, Barbara Roden at 248-982-6866.

American House Senior Living Communities: This company is now hiring for all locations in the state of Michigan. Fields of positions include: culinary, housekeeping, maintenance and life enrichment activities. Click the link for how to apply.

Lowe’s: The store in Sterling Heights is looking to hire people immediately. Applicants can visit the site in the link or can call to schedule an interview at 586-446-4100.

Kroger: The company will be hiring an additions 2,000 workers to assist in their response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Applicants will experience an expedited hiring process; between application and employment, new hires are being brought on within 72 hours.

Special Tree: Special Tree is a brain and spinal cord injury rehabilitation center. They’re currently looking for Direct Care workers throughout Metro Detroit. There are multiple shifts and locations available. Click on the link to see positions they are hiring for and how to apply.

Michigan Automatic Sprinkler Co.: Due to an already busy season and the pandemic, this company is looking to hire installation, service and labor staff to handle their volume of work. Applications can be found on the link attached. Resumes can also be submitted to; ischaefer@miautosprinkler.com or mrennie@miautosprinkler.com.

Great Lakes Ace Hardware: ACE remains open to serve neighbors with essential needs. The company is now hiring more than 80 seasonal and permanent positions. Positions include: cashiers, sales associates, seasonal store helpers, managers, grill assemblers and delivery helpers. Click on the link to apply.

KIDS

We know children are affected by this crisis, so we’re keeping up on any resources that might help kids.

Blake’s: Parents and caregivers are welcome to pick up free lunches for kids (under the age of 18). Especially for those who may otherwise go without. The cider mill and new drive-thru has lunches to go, 7 days a week from 11am-3pm. Call 586-784-5343 to place an order.

Check out our list of schools that are doing meal services for children. They are good local options for most areas.

Future Engineer Program: Amazon is looking to help school kids who are not able to have access to a computer science education right now. Amazon is providing free access to sponsored computer science courses for grades 6-12. There’s a virtual robotics program also available with the partner company CoderZ. This is for grades 2-12. Another program available is called Earsketch. It helps kids learn to code through music. Click the link to access these classes.

MENTAL HEALTH

Community Care Services (CCS), a nonprofit outpatient treatment center for mental health and substance abuse issues, has committed therapy resources to assist and serve those in the hospitality industry affected by the pandemic. CCS will offer case management services to identify needed referrals, assist with health benefits applications as well as create an online toolkit available at www.comcareserv.org to offer informative videos and direct people to local and national programs.

TRANSPORTATION

SMART Bus: SMART continues our efforts to protect our drivers and riders. It instituted free fares on all services and rear boarding/deboarding policy as a way to limit the exposure for both drivers and riders. Efforts continue to enhance cleaning and sanitizing of SMART buses and facilities to further protect all SMART staff from the spread of COVID-19. Routes have been reduced, especially as less people are taking the public transportation system. Visit their website for more information.

OTHER

Otter Cam: We’ve put a live camera in the otter exhibit at the Detroit Zoo! So while you might not be able to go to the zoo, visit the otters from your couch!

Pure Michigan Web Cameras: The website has different cities and Michigan landmarks with live cameras, so you can take a peek at what’s happening all over the state.

Ann Arbor Film Festival: The festival will happen virtually and will be streamed for free. It’s happening March 24-29.

Disaster Distress Helpline @ 1-800-985-5990: This can provide immediate crisis counseling to people affected by the Coronavirus pandemic. If you want or need help in coping with the mental or emotional effects caused by this pandemic, call. It’s a 24-hour-a-day, seven-day-a-week, free resource. The Helpline is sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Helpline specialists are trained to assist callers who have a range of symptoms.

Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation: The museum is offering a digital collection where you can explore artifacts and stories.

Michigan History Museum: Take a virtual tour of the museum, it’s 5 floors!

Michigan Science Center: Kids of all ages can take a virtual tour of the science center.

Menominee Range Historical Museum: This is a collection of museums in the Upper Peninsula. Take a virtual tour of these as well.

Pet Supplies Plus: If you need to stock up on pet food and supplies, the chain is offering free 2-hour curbside pickup. You can order online, store associates will gather and package your items. Once ready, pull up and they’ll put the packages in your car directly.

All American Pet Resorts Royal Oak: This one is for medical professionals, especially those who work at Beaumont in Royal Oak. The pet facility will remain open for the care of your pets, providing daycare and boarding services during the crisis. Many measures are being taken to ensure the safety of the owners, pets, and the staff. Click the link for more information.

The Henry Ford: The Henry Ford is providing a free, innovative curriculum, even with its doors shut for now. The institution is waiving the normal fee to access the information for parents, students and educators doing homeschooling. It focuses on STEAM and of course, innovation!

The Babysitting Co.: This is for medical workers. This company is looking to asset during this pandemic. They're offering discounted child for health provides and virtual sessions as well. During the sessions, sitters can help with homework, language studies, music, yoga, art and even virtual field trips.

Jack’s Auto Repair: This one is for those in the medical field. Jack’s Auto Repair is located on Fort Street in Lincoln Park. Show your I.D. and you’ll get 25% off your bill, now through April 13th.

Fred Astaire Dance Studio: It’s hard to get in exercising during quarantine, but this dance studio is offering a fun alternative. You can take dance classes online for free! They’re offering everything from ballroom to the cha-cha.

Future Engineer Program: Amazon is looking to help school kids who are not able to have access to a computer science education. Amazon is providing free access to sponsored computer science courses for grades 6-12. Parents can also access this curriculum. There’s a virtual robotics program also available right now with their partner CoderZ. This is for grades 2-12. Another program available is called Earsketch. It helps kids learn how to code through music. Click the link to access these classes.

Michigan Opera Theatre: “MOT at Home” is being launched to provide everyone with daily opera and dance content while we’re all home during social distancing. There’s studio performances, opera recordings, dancing, Met Opera Previews, podcasts, blogs and more. Check it out!

Alzheimer’s Foundation of America: The organization is providing services for families impacted by Alzheimer’s disease during this pandemic. There’s a free helpline staffed by licensed social workers who are trained in dementia care. They'll assist callers with topics/questions about combating isolation, keeping engaged, washing tips, caregivers stress, etc. You can call 866-232-8484 or text 646-586-5283. Click the link to access web chats as well.

Buddy’s Pizza: Buddy’s is inviting the community to submit names of hospitals, local police and fire departments, or any other organizations aiding in the fight against COVID-19. It’s to help the heroes helping the community. Click the link to submit a name/organization.

Motown Museum: The Motown Museum is staying connected with Motown fans and continuing to celebrate the Motown legacy. During the month of April, it will unveil a virtual liner of education programming including activities for kids grades K-12. The lessons can be found on their Facebook page. Also, Motown Mic: At Home will feature new and prerecorded performances premiered live for Motown Museum Facebook fans. The Hitsville Youtube page also has a large catalog of videos and concerts from all the Motown greats for fans to access.

Rides to the Fairgrounds for Testing: The city of Detroit wants to make sure every Detroiter has access to COVID-19 testing regardless of whether they have a primary physician, health insurance, or a car. Since the tests at the Fairgrounds are free, the city is offering Detroiters a ride to appointments at the Fairgrounds. Rides are provided by IntelliRide. Round trips only cost $2.

Here’s how it works:

1. Call Your Doctor to get a prescription. If have symptoms of coughing, fever, or shortness of breath, contact your doctor to get a prescription. If you don’t have a doctor or don’t have insurance, go to the city website at detroitmi.gov and you will find several across the city who will take you now. Click here on how to access a doctor.
2. Make a Fairgrounds Appointment. Once your doctor orders a prescription, your test is free. Call 313.230.0505 to make an appointment – appointments are available in 24-48 hours.
3. Don’t have transportation? Tell the call taker who books your Fairgrounds appointment. They will connect you directly to the car service to book your $2 ride. The rides are only for Detroiters being picked up and dropped off at a Detroit residence.
4. The day of your test. When your driver arrives, bring your identification (if you don’t have a state issued ID, you can bring any other piece of identification such as a work badge, utility bill, etc.) and your prescription. Both the driver and passenger will be asked to wear masks and gloves for their protection. After the test, the driver will take you back home.