Our needs are so varied this week, and we wish to simply keep you updated on what’s going on, where to find help, and offer a few ideas for keeping the kiddos busy.

Where to Access Free Food This Week:  AISD will resumes regular curbside meal service on Thursday, Feb. 25 with morning, midday and afternoon pick-up windows. Families may view curbside meal sites, times and more information at www.austinisd.org/openforlearning/meals. Meal packs are free for any child younger than 19 as well as those older than 19 who utilize special education resources or who are enrolled in school to complete the requirements for a high school diploma. Free caregiver meals, prepared by local restaurants, are also available for the adults accompanying children or with documentation of those that they are picking meals up for.

Where to Pick Up Free Water: Austin has set water distribution centers to help those who can’t purchase or boil water. The sites will be providing one case of free bottled water on a first-come, first-served basis, starting at 9 a.m. until supplies last. Click here for the list of locations.

Where to Take a Shower: YMCA of Austin is offering the use of locker room showers beginning Monday, Feb. 22 for anyone affected by the recent water outages, and will be available during operating hours at several sites in the Austin area. Click here for the full list of locations.

Where to Apply for Disaster Assistance: If you wish to apply for grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and business owners, you can find more information and apply at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-3362. For more detailed info, please check out this article from the Austin American-Statesman.

Where to Donate or Volunteer: For several ideas on ways to give back this week, please click here for a list of local organizations in need.

Where to Do Laundry for Free: All Texas Tide Cleaners are offering free laundry services this week to provide clean clothes to the community. Texas residents can locate a nearby Tide Cleaners and get their personal clothes washed for free beginning Monday, February 22 through the end of operating hours on Friday, February 26. Click here for full details and location info.

Where to Get Tested for COVID-19: While many testing sites were put on hold last week, operations have resumed for testing. Here is the round-up on where to schedule a test.

What to Do with the Kids on Cancelled School Days: While we’re switching topics here a little, we know that for many parents and caregivers, having more days with cancelled school means finding enriching activities to keep the kids busy.

If you are a member of the YMCA, they are offering free, full-day child care for Y members and staff as well as families in Extend-A-Care YMCA afterschool and preschool programs. Open to kids ages 4-12. Space is available on a first-come, first-served basis and is subject to capacity limits due to COVID-19 safety restrictions. Click here for the location and schedule for the week of Feb. 22.

More ideas for fun with the kids this week:

How to Talk to the Kids About Disaster: Last week’s events caused stress on everyone in the community, which can effect children of all ages, too. For very insightful tips and suggestions about helping kids talk about their emotions after a disaster, you can check out the Instagram account Waves.of.Childhood.

Hang in there friends! We hope you are well.