Maritza Bonola, 30, a senior at John Jay College, has used her time during the outbreak to volunteer for Centro Corona, a non-profit organization in her neighborhood, Corona, Queens, that advocates for immigrants and people of color.

 

Each week, Bonola calls immigrant families affected by COVID-19 to check in on their needs. Many are unemployed, facing food insecurity concerns and don’t qualify for a stimulus check or any other help from the federal government.

 

Centro Corona helps by sending food weekly to their homes, as well as medicine, gloves and masks. “It hurts my heart that a child may be wondering why they are unable to eat what they crave,” said Bonola. “Making phone calls and requesting donations is an assurance that we are achieving our goal of supporting people of our community.”