10 Ways To Help Your Community
The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) suggests these 10 ways we can all safely help our local communities during the coronavirus pandemic.
Information below taken from their website www.nationalservice.gov/serve.
- Donate to Nonprofits
Cash donations are the best way to support the nonprofit of your choice. The National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD) has a list of organizations supporting COVID-19 response efforts. Guidestar and Great Nonprofits also have search engines to locate organizations that need help.
2. Donate or Volunteer Safely with Food Banks and Pantries
Donate to food banks and pantries to help them stock up or volunteer at a food bank that needs help packing and sorting food using safe practices. Visit Feeding America or Food Pantries to find an organization near you.
3. Deliver Meals and Groceries to Vulnerable Seniors
Help out someone you know or contact your local Meals on Wheels to learn ways to volunteer.
4. Help a School
Check with your area school system to see if they need volunteers to distribute food (or other items) to children and families in need.
5. Give Blood
Blood donations have decreased dramatically. Help fill the need by contacting your local Red Cross or other blood donation sites.
6. Become a Medical Volunteer
Trained medical volunteers can offer their services by registering with a National VOAD member. Medical professionals and others can help locally by joining the Medical Reserve Corps.
7. Donate Medical Supplies and Equipment
If you have medical supplies or equipment to donate, please email FEMA’s National Business Emergency Operations Center at nbeoc@fema.dhs.gov.
8. Stay in Touch
Check on your neighbors, friends, and family – especially those who are older or may be alone. A phone call, text, or a conversation through the door could brighten their day.
9. Serve in Your Community
Many states are identifying local volunteer opportunities; visit your State Service Commission’s website for details.
10. Volunteer from Home
Prefer to volunteer while staying at home? Check out AllForGood.org for service ideas.
For more information on COVID-19, visit Coronavirus.gov, Centers for Disease Control, Government Response to Coronavirus (COVID-19) USA.gov/coronavirus, and FEMA Coronavirus Rumor Control.