With the Coronavirus cases ramping across the globe, many of us are stuck at home looking for ways to help. We feel helpless watching health care workers head into work and wish there was more we could do. Well my friends, there are ways we can help!
Here are 8 ways to help during Coronavirus crises!
STAY HOME
It seems easy enough. Almost not enough, but the very, very best way to help your local, national and international community is to stay home. By now we have all heard the phrase, ‘flatten the curve.’
We’ve seen what’s happened in Italy and know that if we are responsible and keep a safe distance from others, we can slow dow this dangerous pandemic and help ease the load of our health care workers.
Stay home unless ABSOLUTELY necessary.
DONATE BLOOD
The American Red Cross now faces a severe blood shortage due to an unprecedented number of blood drive cancellations during this coronavirus outbreak.
Right now, eligible and healthy donors are strongly urged to make an appointment!
SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESSES
So many of our beloved small businesses are closing their doors unsure if they’ll be able to open them again after this all passes. Many have lost their income stream overnight, having to lay off employees unexpectedly.
You can support these businesses by buying gift cards, ordering from their websites and leaving Facebook and Google reviews.
SEW & DONATE FACE MASKS
Hospitals near you are reaching out via social media to ask for help in solving the shortage of N95-type masks.
If you have the means, skill and time, please help make these masks for the heroic medical workers in your area. You can download a pattern from HERE.
DONATE TO A LOCAL FOOD BANK
Providing a lifeline of emergency supplies, food banks are likely to become overwhelmed in the next few months.
If you have extra canned goods, consider dropping it off at your local food bank. Even one can of food helps!
VOLUNTEER YOUR SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE
With children and all of humanity stuck at home, volunteer your skills and knowledge to teach those around you. It’s a great time to connect digitally and help foster skills in others.
Live stream yourself making bread, conducting a workout, speaking Spanish, doing calligraphy, etc… Provide free content to a world starving for ways to grow, connect and learn.
ENSURE THE ELDERLY ARE OK
Consistently check in on your elderly neighbors and family members. Help them order grocery delivery, pick up their prescriptions and keep them indoors!
Write them notes, facetime their phones and leave fun packages on their porches. You could even send them a Sunshine In A Box!
DON’T SHOP UNLESS YOU ABSOLUTELY NEED TO
Now that most of America has stock-piled toilet paper and pantry supplies, it’s important to use what we have. There is no need to panic shop and hoard all the things! Let’s allow the supply chains to do their work so there is enough of everything for everyone.
We will need to get creative, cook more than usual and ensure we don’t waste food/supplies! And make sure to share with your neighbors and friends that may need a supply or two.
This is an anxious time when we all need support more than ever.
Small business owners are undoubtedly facing difficulties now. We support our local entrepreneurs by ordering goods and products directly from them. My husband also donates money to make masks for those in need.
I really hope that we will soon overcome this difficult situation. Stay safe and stay home.
Lindi Haws, thanks for the great advice! I know how difficult it is to keep feeling well with COVID, because I was sick too. I couldn’t get out of bed, I couldn’t make myself breakfast, I couldn’t do anything myself for several weeks. But I look at my parents who are over 70 years old. And they do not complain about headaches and back pain and pain. I’m sure they have health problems, no one will get away from this. I admire such people, you need to take an example from them !!!
Many people don’t have extra money right now, consider making a donation to an organization that makes a difference during a pandemic. Some possibilities include hospitals and health centers or national and local charities that provide housing, financial assistance, or food.