The coronavirus pandemic has disrupted 2020 way more than anyone could have imagined. What started as cautionary measures quickly turned into strict social distancing practices as the number of confirmed cases rose beyond control. And while staying home might seem easy enough, this causes a lot of problems – everyone is concerned about their jobs, working conditions, and personal health.
Because of all this, it’s important to show empathy and compassion for others. If you can basically relax at home while this blows over, that’s an amazing position to be in! But millions of Americans aren’t so fortunate and are currently fearing for their jobs or having to work regardless of social distancing restrictions if they are essential employees… meaning they are risking contracting the virus themselves while providing for the rest of us.
If you want to help your fellow neighbors, friends, and colleagues, you’ve come to the right place. Here are some things you can do to help during these complicated times!
“Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do. – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Stay in contact
Social distancing may be difficult when you consider we have no prediction for when it will officially end. Despite some cities and countries showing signs of loosening up the restrictions (mostly due to financial pressure), it is still not safe to engage in big social gatherings of any sort.
But just because you can’t meet everyone in person, that doesn’t mean you should avoid contact altogether – that’s why we have messaging apps, emails, and video calls!
In this day and age, pretty much everyone has at least a smartphone. And if that smartphone is from the last 5 years or less, it can most certainly handle modern messaging apps and decent video calls.
Don’t hesitate to message and call your friends to make sure they’re doing OK, but also help and inform them in any way you can. A lot of people are anxious and uncertain right now and you can help them by simply being there for them!
Donate blood
Blood donation has understandably dropped and won’t likely recover during this first semester, so you can go the extra mile to help with this shortage. Luckily, there are ways to safely donate blood during this pandemic: the American Red Cross has useful advice and information on the subject.
Support local businesses
Many local businesses have had to close entirely if they’re non-essential, but even in cities where they’re allowed to operate normally, people are still scared to leave their homes – and for good reason. It will take quite some time for things to return to their usual rhythm and it seems local businesses will take most of the blow.
Be sure to support your favorite local businesses in any way you can to help them stay afloat until things return to normal!
Volunteer to help
Literally any help is a great help at times like these. If you have neighbors or know anyone in your neighborhood with elderlies at home, offer to run errands for them. Do take every necessary precaution for your own safety (such as wearing masks and sanitizing your hands often), but this way you’ll be helping keep the virus away from risk groups where the virus is far more lethal.
But outside of that, you can also volunteer in other ways. For example, if you can sew, maybe you can help in crafting masks for institutions or local organizations. Take whatever talents and skills you have into account and consider how to use them to help others!
If you consider yourself somewhat knowledgeable in the subject of coronavirus – that is, how to prevent it and protect others – you can make a huge difference by educating your community. Informative social media posts and reminders via messaging will remind everyone to take care of themselves.
Donate
Maybe you don’t have time or resources to spare at the moment – and it’s understandable given the current situation. But if you still want to help in some way, donations are always much appreciated by organizations, local or not.
You can easily find a health organization in need of donations online, but first take a look at your own community – if you can’t help them with your time, financial help is always useful!
Need some help around the house while you’re busy with work or with the kids? Contact a local cleaning company and it will be one less thing to worry about!
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