Ways to Help – Locally & Internationally
Ways to Help - Locally & Internationally
The world is coming together to help those in need. COVID-19 is putting our differences aside and focusing battling this horrific pandemic together in order to halt it from doing further damage. Companies, organizations, and non-profits are doing everything that they can to support those who are suffering substantially from COVID-19.
Grocery stores have been dedicating specific hours to accommodate seniors and immuno-compromised citizens. For instance, Trader Joe’s opens its hours from 9 am to 10 am specifically for senior citizen in order to avoid the massive crowds during opening hours. Costco is exclusive from 8 am to 9 am on Tuesdays through Thursdays to members 60 years and older. On Wednesday’s, Target’s first open hour is dedicated to for the elderly and those with underlying health concerns. Health care workers on the front lines have been desperately searching for medical equipment amid a shortage. Brands are answering the call by either producing masks themselves or donating their stockpiles. Apple has donated over 10 million face masks to health care facilitators. Airbnb hosts are willing to provide housing for 100,000 health care workers, first responders, and relief workers around the world. L’Oreal companies in the United States have donated surgical and N95 respirator masks to hospitals, as well as personal care products to Feed the Children. The company’s manufacturing companies have also begun to produce hand sanitizer that will be donated to healthcare professionals and others working on the frontlines. Let’s not forget about Disney Parks, who are donating 100,000 N95 masks to New York, California, and Florida, as well as 150,000 rain ponchos to MedShare (“The Nonprofits and Companies Helping to Fight the Pandemic”).
While these companies have access to make a big difference, citizens have the ability to allow this access to happen through donations. During a time like this, it is important for everyone to chip in anyway possible. While staying at home and practicing social distancing makes a big difference, donating also helps substantially. Either donating food to a shelter or donating $5 to an organization. Here are some organizations and non-profits that can use your help during this time.
As citizens, and people in general, it is our responsibility to be there for one another and to help as much as we can. COVID-19 is the chance for people to come together and form as one unity, and to assist by any means possible.
Through the comfort of our homes, it is our duty, to act as responsible citizens. This is possibly the least we could do, as health professionals and essential service workers risk their lives to keep us safe. We must refrain from stockpiling and only buying necessary food and household supplies. Use this time to reset your life for sustainability and reevaluate your choices on over-consumption. Additionally, elderly people are more at risk. Help the older people in your neighborhood by doing their grocery shopping online or by leaving it at their door. Ask your neighbors, security staff and cleaning staff if you can help with anything. At times like this, help the daily wage workers as much as possible, and secure their pay even if they cannot come to work. Everyone’s security matters, no matter where they are from or what their job is.
Time is the most valuable asset in our life today. Consider ways of helping that are not limited to monetary contributions. The power of technology is the strongest tool to utilize. Connect with your grandparents, parents, families overseas via Skype, FaceTime or Zoom. Read, listen or talk to people in retirement homes, hospitals or orphanages. Find ways to join hands with organizations online. All it takes is one click to change someone’s life. At the same time, don’t forget about our furry friends. Consider donating or helping out animal shelters and abandoned pets. They could use some extra love in these pressing times too.
Helping on the local or international level can make a huge difference! By donating a couple of dollars, spare clothes to shelters, or even canned goods that sit in the back of your pantry, you are already making a difference. Please, stay at home and continue practicing social distancing. Not only is your life in your hands, but the lives of others as well.
