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Here are some ways you can support your local community during the Coronavirus outbreak:
Give Blood:
The American Red Cross is looking for eligible and healthy individuals to donate blood to prevent potential shortages as concerns over COVID-19 rise.
The coronavirus does not pose any known risk to blood donors during the donation process or from attending blood drives.
“It is safe to donate blood,” said Admiral Brett P. Giroir, M.D. Assistant Secretary for Health at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “Part of preparedness includes a robust blood supply. Healthy individuals should schedule an appointment to donate today to ensure that blood is available for those patients who need it,” said Giroir. (Red Cross)
Donate Money:
- Nonprofits and various social organizations are a huge resource for those who may be hit hardest economically by the virus.
Foodshare is already seeing a dramatic decrease in our volunteers due to many businesses canceling outside activities. We ask that if any high school or college students are available to volunteer over their extended break and are symptom free, please consider signing up to volunteer.
There is an increasing likelihood that public school districts in our service area will close in the weeks ahead. If/when that happens, we can expect increased demand at our pantries and longer lines at our Mobile Foodshare sites.
Click here to donate or learn more about volunteering!
Small Businesses
Buy a gift card that you can use in the future
Order take-out from your favorite local establishment
While tipping is always a good practice, now is a time to be particularly generous with those who are delivering food or groceries or driving for ride-share services like Uber, allowing many people’s transitions to working from home and social distancing to be more manageable.
(source: People)