Lend a Helping Hand Amid the Coronavirus Chaos
Supporting Efforts Against Coronavirus: Ways to Contribute and Offer Assistance
In these COVID-19-dominated times, it's natural to feel powerless and helpless. But fear not, regardless of your circumstances, there are numerous ways to make a difference from the comfort of your own abode. even if you're under lockdown, several opportunities await to give back and leave a positive impact.
Did you know that volunteering can enhance your happiness and well-being? You're not just helping others, but also boosting your own mental and emotional state. As we all grapple with isolation, forming connections through acts of kindness can offer a much-needed emotional boost and remind us that we're all united in this common struggle.
Reach out to your neighborhood
Start by getting in touch with those in your immediate circle - neighbors, friends, colleagues, and relatives. A simple text, call, or video chat can go a long way in showing you care. It might seem like a small gesture, but the positive impact cannot be understated. Connect with those who may feel particularly vulnerable at this time, such as the elderly, those suffering from anxiety or depression, or those who are cut off from social connections. Offering support during these tough times can provide them, as well as you, with an emotional lift.
If you're relatively healthy and able-bodied, consider helping others by running essential errands for those at a higher risk. Think about elderly, disabled, or housebound individuals within your social circle who might need assistance with grocery shopping or medication pick-ups. Leaving bags at their door maintains safety distance. Check local social media platforms like Facebook or Nextdoor to find those in need in your area.
Financial aid and donations
Though times are tough for many, if you're fortunate enough to have extra resources, consider donating to organizations making a positive impact during the pandemic. Options include hospitals and health centers, national and local charities that provide housing, financial assistance, or food, as well as GoFundMe campaigns for essential workers affected by COVID-19 or families struggling due to illness or loss.
Support your favorite local businesses by purchasing gift cards or ordering delivery from restaurants still open. Every bit helps in keeping these establishments afloat during these uncertain times.
Donations without emptying your wallet
Money might be tight, but there are still ways to offer support without spending a dime. Check out these items that are in high demand:
- Food: Food banks are expecting increased demand as more people lose jobs. While financial donations are best for them to purchase what they need, you can also donate non-perishable goods like pasta, rice, beans, canned goods, and peanut butter.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Hospitals and healthcare centers are grappling with shortages of masks, gloves, and other protective gear. If you have some to spare, consider donating through organizations like GetUsPPE and DonatePPE.
- Hard-to-find supplies: With toilet paper, hand sanitizer, cleaning supplies, and other items in short supply, consider donating any excess to local food banks, essential businesses, or neighbors in need.
- Computers: As schools, offices, and libraries close, many of us depend on home Internet access. Encourage your company to donate laptops or tablets to help bridge the digital divide.
- Clothing: Consignment shops may still be accepting donations by mail. Look up those in your area to learn their mail-in policies. Take this opportunity to declutter your home and help those in need as restrictions ease.
Donating blood
Blood donations are crucial during the pandemic, but fewer people are donating due to fears about infectious diseases. The Red Cross and other blood banks remain open with safety measures in place, so donating blood is a vital and safe way to help those in need.
Use your talents
Get creative and think about the skills you possess that could be of service during these times. Here are some areas in need of voluntary help:
- Sewing: Hospitals are facing shortages of protective gear like masks, and home-sewn masks can help ease the strain on the front lines. Many American hospitals are accepting donations.
- Web design: Numerous small businesses have transitioned to an e-commerce model but require help creating appealing websites, writing product copy, and taking quality photos.
- Legal aid: Small businesses need legal help to navigate the federal stimulus package. If you're a lawyer, consider volunteering your services.
- Financial services: With bank branches closed, notary services are in demand. Certified financial planners can also offer assistance to those who lost their jobs due to the pandemic.
- Virtual Fitness: Share your dancing skills by offering virtual classes to lift people's spirits and help them stay active. Yoga and guided meditations can also help participants find relaxation and calm during these trying times.
Express your gratitude
Healthcare workers are under immense pressure both physically and emotionally. Services like Health Hero Hotline allow you to leave messages of encouragement and support. Call 877-226-HERO (4376). In many communities around the world, people have come together to show their appreciation for healthcare workers by clapping, cheering, and playing music from their windows or balconies at specific times of the day.
Support vulnerable groups
Organizations like Meals on Wheels are experiencing a surge in demand as health guidelines recommend that senior citizens stay home as much as possible. In addition to delivering meals, you can also provide telephone support to seniors living alone. Other programs like Be My Eyes pair the visually impaired with volunteers to help with everyday tasks remotely via video chat.
Contact local nursing homes, senior centers, or nonprofits serving people with cancer, disabilities, or other health challenges to learn how you can best offer assistance. Maybe you can deliver needed supplies, offer rides to doctor's appointments, or simply write letters or make calls to help those who are isolated feel less lonely.
Provide mental health support
Mental health helplines like Crisis Text Line are experiencing a surge of messages expressing anxiety about the coronavirus. Volunteering to help relieve someone else's concerns may help you feel less alone and lower your own stress levels too.
Follow your passion
Even if the cause isn't coronavirus-related, any form of volunteering goes a long way. Organizations like BookShare.org offer books to those with reading disabilities, accepting online scanning of books by volunteers. If you speak more than one language, consider volunteering with Translators Without Borders to translate texts into various languages for NGOs and nonprofits.
Keep practicing social distancing and self-care
Don't underestimate the difference you make by simply staying home as much as possible and practicing social distancing when necessary. Maintaining good health and avoiding high-risk activities reduces your own chances of contracting the virus, protecting others from potential exposure. Taking care of yourself is the best way you can help during these challenging times. As they say, put on your own mask before helping someone else!
Article reviewed by Tim Moerman, M.A.
Enrichment Insights:
- Remote Interpretation and Communication Support: Some organizations require volunteer interpreters who serve remotely by phone to ensure language barriers don’t hinder information and service access among communities affected by COVID-19.
- Virtual Volunteering in Various Cause Areas: Platforms like VolunteerMatch provide a wide range of remote volunteer opportunities in sectors such as health and medicine, education, and children and youth support, allowing volunteers to contribute their skills without leaving home.
- Remote Support for Vulnerable Populations: Volunteering to help local seniors or other vulnerable groups through remote grocery ordering, preference management, and delivery coordination meets urgent needs without face-to-face contact.
- United Nations Online Volunteer Program: This 100% online program engages volunteers globally in projects promoting peace, sustainable development, human rights, education, translation, content writing, graphic design, research, and more, offering flexible involvement aligned with volunteers’ skills and interests, providing certificates of appreciation, and requiring no travel or fees.
- Rather than feeling overwhelmed, recall that volunteering can enhance your happiness and well-being, as you simultaneously aid others and boost your own mental and emotional state.
- In these challenging times, reaching out to your neighbors, friends, colleagues, and relatives via text, call, or video chat can establish connections and offer much-needed emotional support.
- Donating blood is a vital and safe way to help those in need during the pandemic, as fewer people are donating due to fears about infectious diseases.
- With money potentially tight, consider donating non-perishable food items to food banks, offering protective gear like masks to healthcare facilities, or providing computers to bridge the digital divide.
- Use your talents to help others, whether it be through sewing protective gear, designing websites for small businesses, offering legal aid, providing financial services, conducting virtual fitness classes, or writing encouraging messages to healthcare workers.
- Organizations like Crisis Text Line are experiencing a surge in messages expressing anxiety about the coronavirus, making mental health support a crucial need. Volunteering to offer mental health support can provide emotional relief for both parties involved.
