Wash your hands. It’s the same answer every time you ask how to get involved in fighting COVID-19. Washing your hands and staying home are essential for flattening the curve, but some organizations have pushed themselves to get involved with the relief effort for the Coronavirus. Here’s what some charities have been doing and how you can help!
Donations
If you are in the financial situation to do so, many organizations are desperately in need of funds to keep their operations running. Whether it’s paying for medical supplies, employee salaries, or general bills, here are some organizations you can donate to.
Income, food and childcare loss are just some of the struggles faced by low-income families due to COVID-19. By working with over 2000 affiliates nationwide, Family Promise aims to provide housing, food and emergency support to families experiencing homelessness. Donate here.
COVID-19 disproportionately affects vulnerable communities. Partners in Health works to combat this worldwide pandemic by providing long-term care to patients in developing countries. Donations work towards tests, coordination with international governments and treatment in local communities. Donate here.
Due to the closure of schools and libraries many kids in low-income communities lack the learning resources necessary to continue their education. First Book uses donations to deliver books to kids in need; since school closures began, they have donated nearly two million books to emergency feeding sites and homeless shelters. Donate here.
Not only have school closures left kids without learning resources, but also without food. Many kids depend on their free lunch as their main source of food. No Kid Hungry helps provide them with that meal. Donate here.
Lawyers for Good Government Foundation:
For thousands of asylum seekers, proper sanitation isn’t available in border refugee camps and U.S. detention camps. The Lawyers for Good Government Foundation provides funds so that volunteer lawyers can travel to provide pro bono services to these asylum seekers and their friends. Donate here.
Local Businesses:
Local businesses have been hit hard with the repercussions of the Coronavirus. Help to lessen the burden by buying a gift card to use with the doors reopen. If the business is still open, call the business directly instead of using delivery apps, as these apps can often charge high fees. You can also support their employees by donating to nonprofits like the Restaurant Workers’ Community Foundation.
Help in Other Ways
The pandemic has resulted in many people losing their jobs. This, coupled with rent, tuition and general expenses can be a lot. If you can’t afford to donate money, there are plenty of other ways you can get involved.
Coronavirus has led many blood drives to be canceled. Keep your blood, platelet or plasma donation appointments to ensure that there is a stable supply that the medical units can work with.
Adopt/Foster:
Animal shelters and rescue groups have been forced to cancel fundraisers and reduce their services. If you can, fostering or adopting an animal will help eliminate the strain on shelters, while providing you with a companion for social distancing. Click here to find shelters near you.
Shop Mindfully:
Public health officials urge you not to buy an N-95 respirator or surgical mask unless you need it. Panic buying can lead to a shortage of supplies, preventing people from getting the treatment they need. The same mindful approach is needed when going grocery shopping; purchase enough supplies to last three weeks, but no more.
Find Your Own:
If you’re motivated to get involved, but none of these charities speak to you, you can find your own. Check the charity’s legitimacy by using watchdog sites like Charity Navigator and Great Nonprofits.
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