5 Incredible Ways To Give Back During COVID-19

By now, COVID-19 has reached every state across America. While some communities have started to relax their procedures to boost the economy, it’s clear that many people continue to struggle due to the pandemic — and it’s up to us to provide help. It may seem a little stressful, but you can do your part to assist others!

Here are a few ways to give back.

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1. Donate to an Organization

It’s always beneficial to donate money if you’re financially able.

Coronavirus has forced several charities to take on more responsibility and some don’t have the means to meet their community’s needs. There are several international, national, and local organizations you can work with, whether you want to donate $5 or $500. Every contribution makes a difference, so don’t feel pressured to give more than you can afford.

Start with your own neighborhood so that you can make a difference locally. If you’d like to contribute to other communities, it’s smart to look for ways to help the most vulnerable. For example, the Navajo Nation has the most coronavirus cases per capita because they have limited access to resources. Similar areas have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic, so it’s essential to help them if possible.

2. Make Masks for Neighbors

By now, many have learned to make their own protective gear. The U.S.’s equipment supply hasn’t been readily available for several health care institutions, so some have started to donate preventative items like masks to local hospitals. That said, you don’t need to know how to make hospital-grade preventative gear to aid your community. Instead, you can create cloth masks for daily use.

We’ve discovered that cloth masks help prevent COVID-19 exposure between different people. Your family, friends and neighbors could likely use a few masks for when they visit public spaces. After you research how to make cloth masks, it’s smart to take a headcount so that you don’t waste any materials. You can also work with local organizations to see if they need any masks.

3. Offer to Buy Groceries

You can assist your older friends and family when you offer to buy them groceries. Seniors should stay away from crowded spaces so that they don’t put themselves at risk. Even if their local grocery stores have special hours where they can shop by themselves, it’s smart to limit their supermarket trips. Thankfully, today’s technology allows us to provide support from anywhere.

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Ask people around you if you can shop for them. They can give you a list and a budget that you can use when you’re at the grocery store next. You could also use a delivery service if you don’t live near a loved one who needs help. Check with local options to see if supermarkets deliver. There’s also a chance that an app like Instacart would work.

Either way, it’s always worthwhile to ensure that your friends and family stay safe.

4. Shop at Local Businesses

Many small businesses have struggled since lockdowns began. From restaurants to shops, company owners and employees have endured massive losses. In fact, one-third say they can’t reopen due to financial hardships. These issues cause huge disadvantages for everyone involved. That’s where you come into play to help put your neighbors back on their feet.

You can support local businesses through various means. You could order takeout once a week or buy gift cards for your friends. Have you seen a post about a 50% off sale? Share that information with your followers. Think about all that you do on a daily basis. Is there any way that you could make those actions more local? For example, you could shop for certain groceries at local specialty stores.

There are many creative ways to boost your community’s economy at this time.

5. Give Blood to Patients

The pandemic has put a stop to regular blood donations across the country. People still need blood transfusions despite COVID-19. In fact, someone needs blood every two seconds across the country. It’s imperative for healthy individuals to continue to give blood. Organizations like the American Red Cross have stated that this process doesn’t put you at risk for the coronavirus. Plus, they’re able to test for COVID-19 antibodies when you donate.

You’ll need to think about specific requirements before you donate, like age and weight. You can look for local donation centers if you’re interested. This effort can be a straightforward way to make an immediate impact within your community.

Use These Tips to Help Others Navigate the Coronavirus

Our communities need everyone to come together so that we can navigate COVID-19. There are various ways to support people, whether they live across the street or across the country. You can use these tips to give your time and money to those who need a little assistance. Every bit counts!