Share

We have found ourselves in uncharted territory.

The moment we were told to “stay at home” I rounded up a big donation bag to take to Baby2Baby. We donate about once a week to this organization and I was faced with the new reality that, due to COVID-19, many organizations are unable to accept donations at this time. It makes complete sense, but I was left feeling very helpless and confused about what to do.

It’s very outside of my comfort zone to blindly donate money toward an organization that I am unfamiliar with. I much prefer to get my hands dirty, volunteer in person and have been working with a few local Los Angeles organizations over the years by donating my time and various supplies. But now that we are faced with a “shelter in place” order for Los Angeles, our hands are a bit tied with being able to help. But this also doesn’t mean we can all just sit cozy and do nothing.  The time is now to help our community.

I did a deep dive into researching the best possible ways to help during this time and wanted to share my resources. But let me start out by saying the number one way we can all help during this time:

Please Stay Home.

Here are a few additional ways you can help.

1. Donate

Los Angeles Regional Foodbank – We are donating directly to this organization. You can find your local food bank by clicking here

Baby2Baby – Provides children living in poverty with essential necessities such as diapers, hygiene supplies and clothing.

Donate Supplies Directly through Mask Crusaders {New York, LA, Chicago and other cities are listed}

American Red Cross – There is a shortage of blood due to the outbreak. If you are healthy and able to, you might want to consider donating blood.

Children’s Hospital Los Angeles is accepting donations. They also encourage people to directly shop their registry of gifting wish lists for those in need.

Downtown Women’s Shelter – Accepting hygiene products such as soap, shampoo, q-tips, toothpaste, etc… and also monetary donations online. 

Find a friend of a friend or a specific person or cause that resonates with you. If something is pulling at your heart strings, perhaps starting a GuFundMe to help support a family in need is your calling. Click here to see a page I created with friends for Amanda Kloots and her family.

2. Check in on others

Whether it’s through a text message or a phone call, it is very important that we all stay connected during this time. As older adults are being asked to stay home and may be nervous to go to the grocery store, now is a nice time to offer help to those in need. Leaving your phone number or offering to contact relatives for someone can go a long way for an elderly neighbor. Here is a helpful “Best Practices” document to use when checking in on neighbors.

If you follow us on social media, we’ve started a “Grant Gives Back” series where we drop off supplies to elderly residents in our neighborhood along with friends who are struggling. It’s a very quick and easy way to help by picking up an extra roll of paper towels and leaving it on a porch.

3. Support Small Business

The quickest and easiest way you can give back is to support your local small businesses. If your local restaurants are offering take-out orders or gift card purchases this is a way you can support them during this time. It is also helpful to shop smaller designers and businesses who will feel extra stress during this time. Restaurant Worker’s Community Foundation

And, because we live in Los Angeles, here is a Los Angeles Mass Resource List for my fellow residents.

One of the ways I make an income to support my family is through affiliate links. With every purchase you guys make through my website and blog, I receive a commission from that purchase. For the next two months, I will be donating 50% of all proceeds that I earn through commissions to Baby2Baby. 

I will also I hope that wherever this letter finds you that are staying safe. Take care of one another.

(feature image borrowed from Violet Grey}