Ways to Give Back and Support Communities During COVID-19
During these difficult times, a compassionate and responsive community is a source of comfort. Across the country, individuals, businesses, and communities are collaborating in unprecedented ways to give to those impacted by COVID-19. The outpouring of empathy, generosity, and ingenuity leaves us at VM Law with a profound sense of gratitude.
In the spirit of support and community, while also recognizing that times are tough, we have compiled a list of mostly non-monetary ways to give back during these trying times. While VM Law has no affiliation with any of the listed organizations, we encourage you to offer support in a way that is most meaningful to you.
Support those on the frontlines. Healthcare heroes and other essential workers are taking on incredible risks to protect us and ensure we have access to the things we need. As communities, we should do our best to support them. For anyone in Sacramento with basic sewing skills, HandsOn Sacramento has a database of volunteer opportunities, including healthcare facilities in need of homemade masks. For those with a 3D printer, Operation Shields Up! has partnered with Sierra Sacramento Valley Medical Society to coordinate printing personal protective equipment for healthcare workers in need.
Businesses can also support frontline workers. Across the nation, many businesses are instituting policies and promotions giving back to healthcare professionals. Here at VM, as a way to show thanks and spread encouragement, our team put together care packages for the ER and ICU workers at Mercy Dignity Health.
Donate to a food bank, food drive, or shelter. Give as much as you are able. Donations do not necessarily have to involve food or money; you can also donate your time as a volunteer. For anyone looking to donate in Sacramento, the Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services maintains a list of food banks at which people can donate or volunteer. You can also visit the California Volunteers website for more opportunities.
Donate blood. Many blood centers are facing severe blood shortages. One of our attorneys donates through Vitalant, which has a network of 125 community blood centers. America’s Blood Centers can also help individuals find a local blood donation center and schedule an appointment.
Check in on your neighbors. Oftentimes, a small act of kindness is the best thing we can do for one another. Something as simple as a phone call can be a powerful way to support our communities. In California, Governor Gavin Newsom launched the Neighbor to Neighbor campaign where people can volunteer to make check-in calls to elderly community members.
Volunteer virtually. If you are not able to volunteer in person, you can consider volunteering virtually. In a time of remote workplaces, many organizations are looking for translators, mentors, and advocates to volunteer their time over electronic mediums. VolunteerMatch helps connect volunteers to virtual and local volunteering opportunities specifically targeting needs during COVID-19.
Support local businesses. For those who are able, consider supporting local businesses by purchasing food, merchandise, or gift cards. For those in the Sacramento area, the Sacramento Bee has compiled a list of restaurants and bars who are offering delivery and takeout services. You can also support local businesses by writing a positive review; giving them a “like” or a “follow”; or, sharing their posts on social media.
In the face of all this uncertainty, there is one thing that remains certain — we are all in this together.
Lezi Zuidema is an Associate Attorney with Van Dermyden Maddux Law Corporation. Her practice focuses on discrimination-based complaints in both private and public-sector employment contexts and Title IX campus investigations and hearings.
The foregoing is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice, nor should be construed as such.
