How can we help: 5 ways to give back during a national pandemic

With the national pandemic in full swing, many of us are sitting at home feeling helpless. Staying inside and making social distancing a priority is extremely important but with the constant heightening of the situation, we can find ourselves craving for ways to help. In a time of physical self isolation and uncertainty, we need to unite, help those in need and flatten the curve. We have compiled a list of 5 ways to help your community and the nation during this time.

1 – Virtually Volunteer

Luckily, we have the power of 21st century technology supporting us through this time. There are many organizations that have created ways for people to get involved and give back, while staying at home. Dorot, a nonprofit organization that addresses the challenges of an aging population, has created a program called Caring Calls. After completing a short online orientation and providing two references, volunteers can sign up to “visit” an older adult once or twice a week for four weeks. Another great opportunity is the Be My Eyes App. This app pairs volunteers with a visually impaired person via video call. The volunteer can help the person with every day task including reading a recipe or finding a particular item they are looking for.

2 – Join in the UN’s initiative to stop the spread of Covid-19

The UN is accepting submissions of creative work to help educate the public. They are asking for artistic depictions that encourage following health precautions and acting in solidarity in order to stop the spread. If chosen, your work will be available for download by media, brands and influencers to support and spread awareness about the current pandemic. For more information, click here.

3 – Support your local food bank

In a time of empty grocery stores, food banks are in great need of donations. With the increased demand on grocery stores, many chains have not had the capacity to donate to food banks as they normally would. Although in person volunteering may not be the best form of assistance at the moment, we suggest that you call your local food bank and ask what you can do to help. Many food banks have been advising people to donate online, share social media posts and advocate for support on the federal level.

4 – Make cards to brighten someone’s day!

Being in quarantine alone, without family and friends, can get pretty lonely. A great way to brighten someone’s day in this difficult time is to send a homemade card. This is a great activity for kids as well! Whip out the construction paper and markers and start expressing your creative side. Write sweet notes and mail to family or friends who may be living alone. You can also mail your creations to nursing homes to be distributed to the elderly who can not have visitors at this time.

5 – Donate Blood

With hundreds of blood drives cancelled over the last few weeks, the American Red Cross announced that there has been a “severe blood shortage”. If you are healthy and able, a great way to give back during this time is to donate blood. Make an appointment here with American Red Cross and help save lives.Social distancing and staying inside can make it difficult to contribute to the world in a time the world needs our help the most. However, there are many options available to us that allow us to do our part in saving lives, preventing the spread of misinformation and making day-to-day life a little brighter. We hope we have inspired you to take one of our suggestions or come up with your own way to help.Everyone at Idea Kraft hopes you and your family are staying safe and well!