How Can You Help People Impacted by COVID-19?

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For many people, as one month ends and another begins, one thing becomes all but inevitable: There are monthly expenses to pay. If you keep track of all your monthly expenses for tax purposes, then this transition between months can provide a great opportunity to donate money to certain organizations. Not only does donating money at the end of the month make it easier to see how much money you have left in your monthly budget to give to those in need, but in many cases, your donations will be tax-deductible. And right now, the COVID-19 pandemic is ensuring that millions of people need donations to make it through.

Below, find a list of potential ways to donate your money to help offset the devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic, plus some bonus volunteering options.

Donate to restaurants and nightlife

Arguably more than any other sector of the economy, restaurants and nightlife have been the hardest hit by COVID-19. These spaces gather people at distances of less than six feet, essentially destroying these companies’ revenue sources as the government mandates social distancing and issues stay-at-home orders requiring non-essential businesses to close. Although some restaurants have remained open for take-out or delivery, experts on the restaurant industry say that the revenue these routes generate is nowhere near enough to make up for standard sit-down visits. 

It’s not just restaurants and their owners who are hurting. Service workers are at least temporarily out of work due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and most of these workers will struggle to find work as the pandemic prevents restaurants from fully operating. For a list of resources to which you can donate to support restaurants and service workers, click here.

Donate to hospitals

A major issue with the COVID-19 pandemic is that it could entirely topple the U.S. healthcare system. Hospitals are already struggling to contend with the massive toll the pandemic is exerting on their resources: Not only are hospital beds running out, but healthcare facilities are struggling to access basic personal protective equipment for doctors and nurses. Thus, if you have a surplus of items such as surgical or respirator face masks, disinfecting wipes, hand sanitizer, disposable exam gloves, and other basic sanitary goods, your local hospital could probably use them.

Of course, you shouldn’t just walk into a hospital with a bunch of items to give. With the large number of coronavirus patients currently occupying hospitals, anyone not showing symptoms or requiring medical treatment could accidentally catch the virus there. Instead, refer to this list to see where your donations are needed and how you can get them there.

Volunteer from home

Bored at home during quarantine? If you’re struggling to stay entertained while self-isolating, you can keep yourself busy with volunteer opportunities that will help those in need. Certain organizations need at-home volunteers for tasks such as calling isolated elderly people (a demographic especially prone to severe COVID-19 infections), helping people experiencing mental health crises, and more. For a list of virtual volunteering ideas, click here.

How are you helping people impacted by COVID-19? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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