How To Help Others During The COVID Pandemic
No matter how you feel about how the COVID-19 pandemic has been handled, people are suffering. Since March, millions of people have lost their jobs. Job loss isn’t the only problem. Single people are feeling isolated and others are stuck with abusive people.
It’s easy to feel helpless, especially if we’re sheltering in place, but there are things we can do.
Donate to a charity
This might be obvious, but homeless shelters and food pantries need your help more than ever. Donate money if you can. They also need your time, but please don’t go if you have underlying conditions that could make you more vulnerable if you become infected with COVID.
Note that many charities are not accepting clothing donations.
Make or donate masks
Frontline workers are still short on life saving PPE gear. Please donate if you can. If your skill is making masks, donate them to neighbors in need. Here are some DIY mask instructions. Do not donate homemade masks to frontline workers, as they are not medical grade.
Run errands
Run errands for elderly and sick neighbors and relatives. Yes, there are delivery services for almost anything people should need, but for many, the price can be exorbitant.
Give blood
Hospitals need blood and plasma as much, if not more than ever. As more and more people are becoming infected, there are even fewer donors. Here is a link to the Red Cross.
Help someone pay their bills
If you can afford it, offer to help people pay their basic living expenses, such as utilities or rent.
Visit a lonely friend
People can feel very isolated right now. That doesn’t mean they have to be completely alone. Visit a friend in a front or backyard. Just be sure to wear a mask and stay at least six feet away.