When there is great tragedy, there is also great acts of kindness and humanity. The COVID-19 pandemic is no exception. Five weeks since the world as we knew it changed, we have lost tens of thousands of American lives to this dreadful disease, which has no bounds or bias toward its victims. I take comfort in seeing and reading all of the stories about neighbors helping one another. Celebrating first responders, healthcare workers and all essential workers as heroes; restaurants turning into food pantries, soup kitchens and delivery services for our communities most in need; college kids offering to shop and deliver groceries for their elderly neighbors so they don’t have to go into the stores.
I wish I could do more by volunteering my time to help others, especially in New York City where so much help is needed, but because I have asthma I’m being extra cautious and doing my part by staying home. Instead I have been picking a charity or small business each week that I donate to and I encourage you to do the same if you are able to. I feel so blessed to have a job, my family, friends and health that I want to give back as much as I can. Every little bit helps the non-profits, charities and small businesses across the country who are trying to help as many people as possible, but also trying to keep their own companies afloat. I encourage you to find a charity or small business in your community to assist. Many food banks are in dire need and most have drop-off locations that you can leave food at without having to go inside so you can maintain social distancing. Check their websites for what is needed most.
Also consider your favorite small businesses and restaurants during this difficult time. Reach out to see if you can buy a voucher or gift card for future use to help keep them going. Send your hair dresser, bartender or manicurist what you would’ve tipped or paid for services through Venmo or PayPal. Everyone is hurting in some way so be kind, be grateful for what you have and help your fellow neighbors and community in any way you can. Here are a few charities in need that are near and dear to my heart:
City Meals on Wheels – in need of volunteers and donations to prepare 450,000 emergency meals for those most vulnerable to the virus.
Food Bank of NYC – in need of volunteers and donations to prepare 15,000,000 meals. Just $1 helps provide 5 meals.
FDNY Foundation – the FDNY has sadly lost members in the battle against COVID-19. Donations will directly support members and their families.
Frontline Foods – all donations go to local restaurants that are preparing healthy meals for frontline healthcare workers.
Health Research, Inc. – supporting NYC’s Dept of Health COVID-19 response, donations go towards the purchase of PPE, testing, additional healthcare workers and their expenses.