During tough times the best tool of survival is to come together (not literally in this case) and support those in need.
First, keep in mind our own responsibility towards the community: to wash our hands frequently, self-isolate as much as possible and respect and abide to local government rules and guidelines for halting the spread of the COVID-19.
Second, we can step up and also do our part by lifting others in our communities—and worldwide—those in need of an extra helping hand during these strenuous times.
For this reason, we have compiled a list of organisations raising funds and recruiting volunteers (Based in the US mainly but also International)
(Email us if you have additional suggestions.)
FAMILIES AND CHILDREN SUPPORT
Baby2Baby
is collecting monetary donations to purchase, transport, and distribute basic necessities for low-income families, including diapers, wipes, blankets, hygiene products, clothing, and school supplies. Baby2Baby is Los Angeles–based, but it maintains a large national network of family foundations and diaper banks.
Good+Foundation
a national nonprofit supporting low-income parents and caregivers. It is asking for monetary donations to the Good+ Crisis Fund, which will support the families and sister organisations that rely on Good+ throughout the coronavirus crisis and during the period of recovery that will follow. Donate by visiting the website or texting “GoodPlus” to 44321. For needed items, such as car seats, strollers, and clothing, it is accepting only emergency corporate donations at its New York and Los Angeles warehouses.
FOOD RELIEF
Feeding America
has created a COVID-19 Response Fund to help food banks across the country support those facing hunger in communities impacted by the pandemic.
Meals on Wheels
where you can donate or volunteer and help in order to continue to provide meals to seniors during the COVID-19 crisis. Check with your local Meals on Wheels provider to see what they need and ask how you can help.
Save the Children & No Kid Hungry
are teaming up to feed kids who depend on school for healthy meals. They’re also providing resources for helping kids cope with extended school closures and advocating for Congress to pass emergency food funding for low-income families.
Blessings in a Backpack
an organisation that works to feed low-income students over weekends when schools are closed. In response to COVID-19, Blessings in a Backpack is striving to get extra bags of food to kids whose schools may close.
GLOBAL HEALTH SYSTEMS
The United Nations Foundation & the Swiss Philanthropy Foundation
have established a COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund benefiting the World Health Organisation’s effort to prevent and mitigate the effects of COVID-19. The fund supports the delivery of protective equipment to health care workers and also supports laboratory testing, education efforts, and accelerating research into diagnostics, treatments, and vaccine development.
Doctors Without Borders
provides medical care where it’s most needed, including fragile medical systems in vulnerable communities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Doctors Without Borders is combating supply shortages, in particular protective equipment for health care workers. It is also acting in support of people experiencing homelessness, living in refugee camps, or living in countries affected by major conflicts. It is accepting donations and channeling resources to where they are most needed.
International Medical Corps
is working to provide equipment, training, and triage and treatment services in communities where COVID-19 has spread and health systems are vulnerable. Its work builds upon existing response capabilities in the regions it operates in, both globally and in the United States. International Medical Corps is accepting monetary donations to support its work worldwide.
Direct Relief
is coordinating with public health organizations and nonprofits to provide essential protective gear and medical equipment to health care workers worldwide. It most urgently needs funds to replenish its available supplies.
The International Rescue Committee
delivers aid to vulnerable people worldwide, especially refugees and people in crisis zones. It urgently needs additional funding to support local health systems and reduce the impact of coronavirus.
BLOOD DONATION
As a response to the crisis, most blood drives, usually hosted at schools, college campuses, and workplaces, have been canceled. But there’s still just as much need for blood transfusions as there was before the coronavirus crisis began.The American Red Cross website has a feature to help you find a place to donate blood, which includes non-hospital locations, such as Red Cross chapters, blood donation centers, and police precincts. Additional safety measures and hygiene protocols are in place.
SERVICE WORKERS SUPPORT
The Salvation Army
is working to provide emergency support—including rent, utility, and food assistance—for people facing low wages and unemployment due to COVID-19. Donations help the Salvation Army meet increasing needs in the communities hit hardest by the pandemic.
One Fair Wage
an organization committed to full, fair minimum wages for all working people, is organizing an emergency fund for service workers facing job loss due to COVID-19. It needs donations in order to continue providing cash assistance to those who need the money they aren’t getting during the pandemic.
Giving Kitchen
provides financial support and a network of community resources to the food service community in the state of Georgia. It is asking for monetary donations to support food service workers diagnosed with COVID-19 or under doctor’s orders to quarantine, while its support network is helping people who have experienced layoffs find other sources of income.
Restaurant Workers’ Community Foundation
addresses issues that affect the food service industry. Right now, RWCF is organizing a COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund directing money toward individual workers facing hardship and health crises as well as providing zero-interest loans to get restaurants back off the ground when this is all over.