Ways to Volunteer During COVID-19

How You Can Volunteer During COVID-19
There have been many changes in the world due to the COVID-19 crisis.  With sheltering in place keeping many people at home, these restrictions have left many people feeling helpless and with a desire to help others. Here are a few ways that you can volunteer from home and in-person to help those facing hunger during this time. 

Reach Out to Your Local Food Bank
Many people have become unemployed or underemployed due to the COVID-19 situation,  which has increased the number of people visiting food banks. You can contact your local food bank to see what in-person and virtual volunteer opportunities they have available. Some food banks have incorporated social distancing into their operations while continuing to serve their communities. You can check out Feeding America’s food bank locator to find your closest food bank.

Go Grocery Shopping for a Senior
Because the COVID-19 virus is especially harmful to seniors, lending older community members a helping hand is a great way to make a positive impact. Shop for and deliver groceries to senior citizens while also running other everyday errands, pick up prescriptions and help with other essentials. Do you have an elderly neighbor, grandparent or other relative that may need some assistance? You can reach to see some of the others way you can help. 

Help Food Banks from Home
Feeding America has set up a COVID-19 relief fund for people to donate. The funds will go to local food banks in your area. All money collected through the end of their fiscal year will be used to help those affected during the COVID-19 crisis. 

Other Ways to Help
While we’ve given ways to support those facing hunger, there are other things that you can do as a volunteer during this time. Check out these opportunities:

• Donate blood. Find a local blood drive to replenish one of hospitals’ most vital needs.
• Thank a health care worker. There are creative ways to support local health care workers, i.e. buy them lunch, join community celebrations (using social distancing).
• Make face masks. You can make DIY, no sew face masks using common supplies to give to others who may need them.
• Support local businesses. You can purchase products or buy gift cards to help struggling local businesses.

You can help out, even if you can’t go out, with any of these volunteer opportunities during the COVID-19 crisis.

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