Having to stay at home has made me start to feel a little restless and frustrated that I can’t be out trying to help the cause, but the truth is: by staying home and doing just one of the few things listed below, that’s the best thing I can be doing right now.
I wanted to round up a resource page if any of you have been feeling restless and wanting to give back. Here are just a few of the ways I’ve seen so far.. I’ll keep updating as I hear more!
Donations & Non-Profits:
GlobalGiving is a large global crowdfunding community that connects nonprofits, donors and companies. It has set a goal of reaching $5 million in donations. Money received will go toward sending emergency medical workers to communities in need, providing medical supplies to hospitals and helping deliver essentials to families.
Relief International, which operates in 16 countries throughout Africa, the Middle East and Asia, has focused some of its efforts on helping Iran, where more than 20,000 infections and at least 1,500 deaths have been reported. The group has so far provided more than 50,000 pieces of medical protective gear, including 24,000 masks and 5,000 pairs of goggles, as well as 40,000 kits to test for the coronavirus; 85 percent of all donated funds go directly to its programs.
Heart to Heart International is distributing urgently needed equipment and medication to its partners around the world. Medical supplies are also being delivered to providers on the front lines.
Those seeking to give something other than money can look to the American Red Cross. There is a severe blood shortage because of a high number of blood drive cancellations during the outbreak, it said. Healthy donors are urged to give blood, platelets or AB plasma.
World Central Kitchen has stepped in to distribute meals to children and others in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Little Rock, Ark., after many schools closed. Beginning Monday, it will give food to families in Los Angeles, where schools are also closed.
Feeding America is the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization, with a network of 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries across the country. Its COVID-19 Response fund will help food banks across the country.
UNICEF is providing hygiene and medical kits to schools and health clinics.
Save the Children has partnered with No Kid Hungry to make sure schools and community programs have the support they need to keep children fed during the pandemic.
First Book has the goal of delivering seven million books to children in the United States who do not have internet access or home libraries so they can continue learning while schools are closed.
*the above information is pulled rom this New York Times article by Derrick Bryson Taylor.
Mask Match: If you have extra masks at home to donate, follow the instructions on this site to send your N95 masks to healthcare workers who need them. Supplies are running low in hospitals!
Reformation: Add to your cart a donation that goes towards providing non-medical grade masks.
City of Harvest: City Harvest is dedicated to helping feed New Yorkers struggling to put meals on their tables. We rescue food that would otherwise go to waste and deliver it, free of charge, to community food programs throughout New York City. The crisis in our city is urgent, and we are stepping up to rescue and deliver more food to meet the need. Our trucks will continue to be on the road, and we will work hard to make sure children and their families have food during this time. *according to their website
Businesses & Shops
As restaurants dine-in options are restricted, it’s so important to help the stay afloat by purchasing take-out or gift certificates. Check your local news stations for lists of those offering these services!
Roar NY: Relief Opportunities for All Restaurants provides financial aid for all NYC restaurant workers.
Support Restaurants: This website allows you to buy gift cards at participating restaurants to help support them!
saverestaurants.co: Help restaurants to get immediate COVID-19 relief now. This supports the employees, suppliers, and restaurants.
For Raleigh locals, find a list of restaurants and bars offering take-out here.
Jobs
For those whose jobs have been impacted, this is a great article that lists companies that are currently hiring for immediate support (that require little to no experience).