How To Help Keep Your Community Strong During Coronavirus
A lot of changes have been caused by the rapid spread of COVID-19.It can be difficult to keep in touch with your community as you work to stay out of trouble.There are a number of ways that you can give back to your community during this uncertain time.
Step 1: You can buy food and goods online.
Many stores are moving to an online platform so they can still provide services during the shutdown.If you want to buy something from a local business, you can either search online or call them.Businesses have had to close during the shutdown.They may not be open if you can't find them online or by phone.
Step 2: Call your neighbors to see if they need anything.
Elderly people and those with weakened immune systems are more likely to stay in their homes.If you have neighbors who can't leave their homes, call them and ask if they need any food or hygiene products.If you want to avoid social contact, you can drop off your food at your neighbor's door.
Step 3: You can stay in touch with your community.
If you are a member of a club or community group, consider moving your meetings online so you can stay in touch.Don't break the social distancing guidelines if you want to stay involved in your community.Multi-person video calls can be hosted by both Zoom and Skype.
Step 4: Purchase what you need from the store.
Every time they go shopping, many people can't afford to stock up on essentials.When you go to the grocery store, make sure to buy enough food to last you and your family for a week.You can help other people in your community by leaving food and hygiene supplies in the store.
Step 5: Food can be delivered with meals on wheels.
The organization gives food to people who can't leave their homes.If you want to help with sorting out donations and delivering food to those in need, reach out to the chapter in your area.To sign up as a volunteer, visit the Meals on Wheels website.
Step 6: If you have web skills, offer online services.
The need for web designers has grown since so many businesses are using an online platform.If you have the skills, you can reach out to your local businesses to see if they need help setting up their website or making it more user-friendly.Businesses may need your help with creating content for their website if you are a writer or photographer.Financial help is also needed in some communities.Lawyers for a Good Government is rolling out an online program where you can help those in need if you have legal skills.
Step 7: Donate PPE to your local hospital.
If you have any medical-grade N95 masks, goggles, gowns, or gloves, you should contact your local hospital or medical facility to see if they need them.If homeless shelters and nursing homes in your area need personal protection equipment, you can contact them.
Step 8: Donate non-perishable food to the food bank.
Food banks need canned food, nuts, nut butter, bottled water, and sports drinks.Drop off your extra food at a food bank near you.Make sure the food bank is open by calling.
Step 9: Donate blood at the Red Cross.
There is a shortage of donated blood due to people staying home.You can give blood at a Red Cross center for less than an hour.You can find a donation center near you by visiting www.redcrossblood.org.
Step 10: Donate money to healthcare facilities.
If you don't have PPE to donate, the next best thing is to give money so healthcare facilities can buy what they need.If you can donate directly or give money to a larger organization, reach out to your local hospital.Direct Relief and Americares give PPE to healthcare workers.You can donate money on their websites.
Step 11: If you can, give money to the arts.
The museums, operas, and theaters are not open.Reach out to your local performing arts center to see if you can make a donation to keep these artists in business.Through their websites, MusiCares and The Jazz Foundation for America can donate directly to the arts.
Step 12: Even if you don't use the services, keep paying.
Workers who provide babysitting, pet-sitting, elderly care, and other jobs that require human contact are out of work.Even if they can't offer their services right now, consider paying those workers what you normally would.It is okay if you can't afford to pay for services.
Step 13: If you have time, you can volunteer at the food bank.
There aren't as many volunteers to run food banks.If you can, consider volunteering for a few hours a week at a food bank to sort through food donations.If people cannot leave their house, you can drop off food at their homes.
Step 14: Call your local animal shelter to find out what they need.
Many animal shelters don't have enough volunteers to keep their organizations going.Ask your local shelter if they need volunteers.
Step 15: The guidelines are for your area.
If you go outside, try to stay at least 6 feet away from other people.You should check with your local mandates to see if the guidelines have changed.Everyone should wear a cloth mask when out in public, according to the Center for Disease Control.
Step 16: If you feel unwell, stay home.
If you have any symptoms of COVID-19, try to be isolated as much as possible.If you must leave your home, wear a medical-grade N95 mask outside.If you experience a tightness in your chest, call the emergency services right away.It's a good idea to call your doctor before you go in for treatment.If you have symptoms of COVID-19, some hospitals will direct you to a separate testing center.
Step 17: You can keep up to date with local news.
Expectations for you and your community may change along with the situation surrounding COVID-19.To see if anyone is in need, you should check your local news every day.