We’re all trying to stay 6-8 feet apart to prevent the spread of coronavirus through our communities. However, with so many people out of work and needing support, we still want to support others through the pandemic.
Help Others While Staying Socially Distant
Helping people is second nature for many in the military and veteran community. We thrive on supporting people in times of need. But right now we also need to keep our distance to prevent infection with COVID-19.
You can do both! Try these simple ways to help others with staying socially distant!
Remember, donating is a 100% contactless way to support others and provide relief for our most vulnerable communities.
Help the Global Community
People around the world are suffering under the pandemic. You can help by supporting charities through targeted giving.
- Doctors Without Borders: supporting communities in need
- Red Cross: providing needed medical relief and supplies for communities around the world
- Save the Children: supporting kids in need by providing medical care, education materials and food
- World Health Organization: the WHO has been on the frontlines responding to the pandemic since the early stages – you can support that mission
Charitable Giving in the US
Keep your donations closer to home through donations to US-based charities that provide support to vulnerable people.
- Donate blood: use America’s Blood to find a blood drive near you (note: this is not a contactless donation)
- Boys & Girls Clubs: help keep kids from going hungry by donating to your local chapter or the national organization
- CERF+: support artists and craftspeople who are impacted by lost income due to canceled events or those who have fallen ill
- DirectRelief: help them deliver needed protective equipment and supplies that medical professionals needs to keep operations going
- Feeding America: helping by providing food boxes, supporting food pantries and keeping local operations running with grants
- No Kid Hungry: supporting children who rely on school to provide nutritious meals and children in food insecure households
- Meals on Wheels: help senior citizens eat with a donation to this essential organization
- Ronald McDonald House Charities: supporting the families of critically ill children with housing and meals; currently repurposing some spaces for doctors and medical professionals who are on the frontlines of the pandemic
Give Support in Your Community
While helping on a global or national scale is definitely needed, there are lots of ways to donate in your own backyard. Remember: giving your money or in-kind donations if often contactless!
- Donate to your local food back, either with monetary support or non-perishable goods
- Check with the local school districts to see if they need support
- Call senior centers and nursing homes to find out what they need
- Contact animal rescues and shelters to find out more about fostering an animal or supporting in another way
- Contact the local chapters of the Red Cross, No Kid Hungry or similar groups to offer your donations
- Coordinate with homeless shelters or other support organizations to help pack kits of supplies or donate in another way
If you are stuck for ideas, search online for:
your community + coronavirus + donate
More Personal Ways to Help Your Hometown
If you don’t or can’t donate money, consider donating your time and energy. You can still help your neighbors in large and small ways during the coronavirus pandemic.
- Sew masks out of fabric
- 3D print masks
- Run errands for those in quarantine or who are at high risk of infection
- Mow lawns and weed gardens
- Walk dogs for overwhelmed parents, as well as elderly or ill neighbors
- Take part in community scavenger hunts, like stuffed animal safaris or rainbow hunts
- Offer your services for free, via online booking systems
- Read children’s stories out loud on YouTube or Facebook LIVE
- Surprise your loved ones with letters or postcards
Helping in the Military Communities We Love
Military families might be facing extra strain during this time, especially since the “normal” flow of our lives has been disrupted in different ways.
The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society is providing support for Marines and sailors who have hit financial hardship.
The Air Force Aid Society is also providing support for airmen and their families during the pandemic.
You could also connect with the chaplains for your unit or at the nearest base. Ask about on-post food banks or ways to help.
Contact the CDCs on-base to see if they need supplies or protective equipment. Many child care centers are remaining open to provide care for essential military and civilian personnel.
Disabled American Veterans (DAV) is providing guidance and support for veterans throughout the pandemic. They are offering grants and monetary support for eligible veterans facing unemployment due to coronavirus.
VFW posts around the country are finding ways to support local veterans and the greater communities they serve. Contact your local VFW to learn about their work and how you can help.
