Agencies working hard to keep the community's most vulnerable residents safe during the coronavirus pandemic are asking for the public's help.

Disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizer, followed by masks, are the greatest needs at both the Arc of Butler County and Lifesteps.

“These items are critical for risk mitigation and protecting the individuals we serve and staff who are dedicated to the continuation of providing services,” said Karen Sue Owens, Lifesteps president and CEO. “Donations are greatly appreciated as we continue to serve our community.”

Cassandra Kokoski, vice president of development at Lifesteps, said one to three residents with autism or intellectual disabilities live in each of eight Lifesteps group homes in Butler County.

Those clients receive around-the-clock oversight and care by Lifesteps employees who stay at the homes in shifts.

The employees need disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizer, masks and other items to ensure both they and the clients are protected from COVID-19.

Kokoski said Lifesteps' child care program, which remains active during the pandemic, also is in need of disinfectant wipes, sanitizer and masks.

Those looking to donate can call Lifesteps at 283-1010 and ask for community relations.

The Arc of Butler County also sends workers out to care for those with autism or intellectual disabilities in 50 group homes, 25 homes where a client resides with a host family and 25 clients who live with their families.

Usually, the employees take care of clients' needs like getting to appointments or work, medication assistance and food supply.

“Since this started, we have changed it all into major wellness checks,” said John Link, executive director.

He said there are no COVID-19 cases among the Arc's clients, and workers always call clients before visiting to ensure no one in the residence is displaying symptoms of the virus.

While the Arc has received donations of personal protection equipment from AK Steel in Butler and MSA in Cranberry Township, as well as from volunteers and community members, N95 masks and disinfectant wipes remain on the wanted list.

Link said cloth or surgical masks are being used in client facilities because all clients remain virus-free.

Should symptoms or a diagnosis occur, N95 masks would be needed.

“We always need N95s, but we don't want to take them away from someone who needs them more,” Link said.

The Arc would accept donations of disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizer, disposable gloves and homemade masks, he said.

“When things starting to heat up, we were scurrying to find PPE like everyone else,” Link said, “but we're using things up pretty fast.”

Donations for the Arc can be dropped off at the office, 112 Hollywood Drive.

Owens summed up the need for donations at both agencies.

“These items are critical for risk mitigation and protecting the individuals we serve and staff who are dedicated to the continuation of providing services,” she said. “Donations are greatly appreciated as we continue to serve our community.”