CHICAGO — As stores struggle to keep enough hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes on their shelves, a South Side advocacy group is working to get these items in the hands of Chicago seniors and people with disabilities to help them as coronavirus spreads.

My Block, My Hood, My City is gathering hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes and Emergen-C, an immune system supplement, to distribute to people who are elderly or who have disabilities, said founder Jahmal Cole.

Those people are the most at risk of the virus, which is non-deadly in the vast majority of cases but can be fatal. So far, there are 11 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Illinois.

Health officials have urged people to regularly wash their hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer to prevent catching or spreading the virus. They’ve also recommended people sanitize items and surfaces they touch frequently.

At first Cole struggled to find hand sanitizer, but he was ultimately able to find more than 100 bottles. Those who wish to donate to the project or those who want to request a Viral Response Package can do so online.

Cole does not need volunteers for the project, he said; his group will pass out the packages. He does need donations for supplies, however. Cole is based in Chatham, but said deliveries can be made anywhere in the city.

My Block, My Hood, My City is known for helping teens from the South and West sides explore other parts of the city, for shoveling the sidewalks of elderly people during the winter and for decorating King Drive for the holidays, among other things.

Public health officials have urged the elderly and people with compromised immune systems to avoid large crowds as the coronavirus spreads.

If you need one of these packages or know someone who does, sign up here.

Block Club Chicago’s coronavirus coverage is free for all readers. Block Club is an independent, 501(c)(3), journalist-run newsroom.

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