Here Are Ways You Can Help During COVID-19
/There’s no question that we are living in an uncertain & unprecedented time. There are so many people, businesses and causes that need the support of their community right now. I’ve been seeing a ton of stuff on social media about different ways to help, so I wanted to compile a list. I know that I’m privileged to be able to work from home and stay home comfortably, and wanted to do something to give back. And, it feels good to do something to help, if you are able to!
Here’s just a few ideas for things you and your family can do to help during the pandemic:
Make Things
Sew masks
Masks are in extremely high demand right now! If you know how to sew, use this easy surgical mask tutorial. I have a sewing machine my grandma gave me so I figured, no time like the present to learn how to use it, and with a LOT of help from YouTube I learned how to sew a really basic straight stitch and have made masks for my husband and I, and some to donate.
For mask supplies, check out Domesticity! They have a lot of (really pretty) 100% cotton fabric that is perfect for mask making. Etsy has a ton of great options, too - here’s a shop I ordered some more plain fabric from. Either way, you’re supporting a small business while you’re getting supplies! Tip: You can use hair ties (this kind is the most comfortable) or grosgrain ribbon in place of elastic, since elastic is really hard to get right now.
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Can’t sew?
Donate to help mask makers! Make donations to Domesticity through this link to provide fabric to mask makers who are sewing to donate to Baltimore area hospitals!
Something Vintage Rentals is coordinating a Victory Mask effort, where you can sew, donate or purchase your own masks!
Crochet or knit ear savers
My grandma taught me how to crochet when I was young and I’ve been doing it on and off for years as a hobby, so this is something I could actually do pretty well! A lady in a Facebook group I’m in (a group for Maryland Outlander fans, lol!) posted that she was working with some local hospitals to donate masks and that they were also in need of these little ear savers. You hook the elastic onto the buttons and it helps alleviate the pressure of the elastic on the back of your ears - which is super helpful for those on the frontlines who have to wear a mask all day at work!
Buttons (these are the exact ones I ordered and I would say maybe ⅓ of the package were large enough to use - ¾” - 1” buttons work best but ½” is okay too!
If anyone wants to make these and needs a place to send them, let me know and I’ll get you in touch with the lady I’m working with!
Make Artwork
I saw my friend Lauren of LucyLake post on Instagram about making art to send to hospitals to decorate COVID-19 patients’ rooms! What a cool idea - and this is something that kids could help with, too! Patients are isolated and a cheerful picture or uplifting words can help bring a smile to their face! Be More Babes on Instagram has been sharing addresses of places to send art!
Make Your Neighborhood Pretty
Grab some sidewalk chalk and fill your sidewalk or driveway up with art! This is a great idea for kids - there are some kids in my neighborhood that have been drawing on the sidewalks a lot and the other day they had a full obstacle course game on the sidewalk, which made me smile! If you’re a kid at heart, draw some fun doodles or a happy quote to make your neighbors smile!
Spend Money
Support Your Local Businesses
Y’all just got that stimulus check, right? Get out there and stimulate your local economy if you can! Small businesses are struggling right now, and they need your support!
Pretty much ALL of your favorite restaurants that are open right now are offering delivery and / or curbside pickup!
Don’t forget about breweries, wineries, liquor stores, coffee shops, bakeries, dessert places, etc!
Some restaurants are even letting you shop their pantries for hard-to-find staples, like flour, bread and eggs, which is such an awesome idea! Old Mill Cafe in Ellicott City is a great local spot that is doing this.
All stocked up on food? Don’t forget about local boutiques - treat yourself to something new for your spring / summer wardrobe!
Don’t need anything right now? Buy a gift card to use later on! It’s a win-win: small businesses get the cash in hand now when it’s urgently needed, and you get to use the gift card later!
Other small businesses to think about:
Your hairdresser or nail technician: Maybe you can Vemno her what you’d normally give as a tip!
Do you work with a photographer for family photos once or twice a year? Maybe they’re offering gift cards that can be used towards a future session!
Do you work with a dog groomer, dog walker, etc? Can you get a gift card from them for future use?
Can’t afford to spend extra money right now?
That’s okay! Another fantastic way to support small businesses is by liking, commenting on and sharing their social media posts, and by leaving reviews! It takes seconds to like a photo, and only a couple minutes to leave a Google review for your favorite restaurant, salon, store, photographer, etc, and every bit helps!
Tip!
Whether you’re ordering Chinese food, beer for delivery or an Instacart grocery order, please tip them! Delivery drivers are going out of their way to deliver things to your home so that you don’t have to go out. Consider giving a larger tip than usual, if you are able to!
Donate to a food pantry
Imagine not having food security during normal times...now imagine not having food security during times like this! More than 37 million people in the U.S. struggle with hunger - and there are people struggling in your community.
Click here to learn more & donate to Feeding America
Be Extra Nice
We’re all stressed, we’re all frazzled at times...so go out of your way to be nice to someone! Some ideas:
Know a frontline worker?
Venmo them $5 or $10 for a coffee or two (or bottle of wine!)
Send them a little something to let them know you’re thinking of them - a card or a little gift!
Are you getting packages delivered?
Leave a nice thank you note for the delivery workers - maybe a note of appreciation taped inside of your storm door.
Check on your friends & family
We are all processing this differently. Make sure you stay connected to your friends and family, and check on them regularly!
This might look like texts, phone calls or video calls - whatever it is, stay connected during this time when those you care about may be feeling lonely or overwhelmed! When you’re feeling down, a kind word from someone you love can really turn your mood around!
Pay attention to your elderly neighbors
The other day we were walking our dog and our elderly neighbor started chatting with us (from across the street) for a couple of minutes, and when we were done she said “thanks for listening”. I’m pretty sure she lives alone and that made me so sad - so now I’m going to make sure I say hi to her whenever I see her out!
I’ve seen several people on NextDoor / local Facebook groups offering to shop for older neighbors, which is a really nice gesture!
Stay Home
Even if you can’t do any of the other things on this list, you are helping just by staying home as much as you can!
This situation is not fun. It’s stressful, it’s scary, and it’s unlike anything we’ve ever experienced before. But, WE ARE IN THIS TOGETHER, and we are going to get through it together. That’s comforting to me, and I hope that thought helps you, too.
Do you have any other ideas for ways, big or small, that you can help during this time? Please share them in the comments!
