Although the coronavirus pandemic — and its economic impact — has likely been the area of most concern for many people in 2020, a number of the typical worries many face in normal years still exist.

Each year, millions of people around the nation face the prospect of food insecurity or the inability to obtain adequate clothing or shelter for the cold winter months.

According to a recent survey by the United Way of Pennsylvania, some of the top concerns of households during the pandemic include access to food — 21 percent of respondents received food from a food bank or pantry, while 52 percent have experienced being unable to find as much food as they need to provide for their family — and having to reduce work hours due to child care issues.

The stress involved in navigating the pandemic is likely exacerbated for those who already struggle with some of the aforementioned issues.

Several stories in the Eagle this week provide examples of how people struggling in the county can obtain some needed resources.

In Thursday’s paper, Kristen Rotz, the United Way of Pennsylvania’s president and PA 211’s executive director, said those struggling with such issues as food insecurity, utility shut-off or eviction should reach out to the organization — by dialing 211, texting their ZIP code to 898-211 or visiting www.pa211.org — to determine if they are eligible for emergency resources.

And in Friday’s paper, the annual Bundle Up Butler coat drive found a way to safely provide free coats to county residents during the pandemic, rather than cancel it as other initiatives have been forced to do this year.

Those seeking coats for adults or children should call 724-431-3748 to register by Oct. 13. Those who register will be able to pick up the coats between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Oct. 16.

There’s no reason to struggle needlessly in a year that has already been so difficult for many.

We hope county residents who are struggling get the resources they need, and that county residents who can afford to donate to organizations that provide important services — for example, Bundle Up Butler is still accepting new coats and funding — do so.

— NCD