This pandemic has caused a significant amount of damage on not only the economic structure of the United States, but on citizens who have been recently unemployed, parents who struggle to provide nutrition and care for their children, health care workers fighting on the front lines and many more individuals who are experiencing their own tragedies due to this pandemic. As it is recommended to stay at home and practice social distancing for the safety of you, your family and others you may come into contact with, it doesn't mean that you cannot help COVID-19 efforts. There are many organizations and funds that you can donate to if you have the means, which will make an impact regardless of how grand or minute your donation is.
1. Donate to Feeding America.
Feeding America has created a COVID-19 Response Fund which was implemented to serve communities that are struggling with food shortages. Feeding America is using donations to put together emergency food packages which are being distributed by way of drive through pantries while trying to ensure the nutrition of students who can no longer rely on school meal plans due to closures. This fund also allows for the distribution of essential items for the hygiene and care of individuals and their households. If you believe in the mission that Feeding America is working towards during this pandemic, you can donate to the COVID-19 Response Fund here.
2. Donate to Heart to Heart International.
If you would like to donate to an effort that specifically works in distributing medical supplies and medications for healthcare workers and hospitals in need, consider donating to the Heart to Heart International COVID-19 fund. This fund allows the organization to continue distributing critical supplies for the benefit, survival and safety of not only patients but the healthcare workers that are risking their lives on the front lines. The Heart to Heart International COVID-19 effort prioritizes sending supplies to organizations, both domestically and globally, on a most-needed basis which allows for a fair distribution of supplies in areas that are struggling and require help immediately. You can donate to Heart to Heart International's Coronavirus Response fund here.
3. COVID-19 Go Fund Me Relief Fund.
If you are familiar with Go Fund Me and are willing to donate using this engine, there is a COVID-19 relief fund that has already raised $235,000. This relief fund is fighting this pandemic by supporting people who have been personally affected by the virus' turmoil, helping to fund organizations attempting to find a cure and supporting communities that are struggling. The donations are also being directed toward feeding first responders and employing a small business to sew masks for healthcare workers. If you would like to donate to the Go Fund Me COVID-19 Relief Fund you can here.
4. Find your own charity.
If you still do not know which funds you wish to donate to, Charity Navigator is a website that can educate and navigate you to many COVID-19 fund efforts that require donations. Through this website, you can find a community effort or specific charity that you feel deserves your donation. The non-profits that are displayed on Charity Navigator include programs that are helping to provide medical services, provide health and medical supplies, fund local organizations, boost awareness and provide community support. If you are willing to take some time out of your day, you can find an organization that you wholly support using Charity Navigator.
5. Share these links on social media.
You can make a difference by educating people you know about the way in which they can donate and help those suffering with and fighting against COVID-19. One post can influence many of your followers to donate to multiple relief funds which could spark a domino effect. If you have the means to share and bring attention to these efforts, you will influence more individuals to follow suit and join together against this pandemic.
It is important to realize that you have the ability to be a part of the fight against this pandemic. A lockdown order being implemented and applied to your county doesn't mean that you can't make a difference (even if it is small) and help not only fund efforts but spread awareness so others can too.