Friday Five: Ways To Help During The Coronavirus Pandemic
Image: Getty Images
Anyone else feel like they’re on overload right now?!? This time last week I was scrambling to get a flight back to the states from Germany after abruptly cutting short a trip to see one of my sisters. I’ve been staying inside my apartment self-quarantining (as instructed by customs officials when I landed) ever since. I can’t remember a week where it feels like things have been changing so quickly. And that can feel pretty scary.
I live in California where the governor has issued a statewide a stay at home order in an attempt to stop the spread of COVID-19. I don't know anyone who’s life hasn’t been upended by the Coronavirus, and it can be hard to cut through all the noise (aka news) we’re constantly being bombarded with about the global pandemic both on traditional and social media channels.
Mr. Rogers once said, “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mom would say to me ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’” That is so true now — inspite of the craziness of the past week. There are lots of ways you can take Mr. Rogers advice and become a ‘helper’, not just to help yourself but also your neighbors. From checking on your neighbors to supporting small businesses to simply staying indoors here are some ways you can help others keep going in this week’s Friday Five.
1. STAY HOME (If You Can) AND PRACTICE SOCIAL DISTANCING
Officials are warning that current projected trajectories of coronavirus cases without protected measures will overwhelm our health care system. and are urging everyone to work together to “flatten the curve” by staying apart and practicing social distancing. So what does “social distancing” mean? According to medical experts, social distancing is staying at least six feet away from other people to avoid spreading illness.
It also means avoiding mass gatherings, working from home (as much as possible), closing schools, visiting loved ones electronically, and canceling events. In short — stay home and if you have to go outside try to maintain a distance of at least six feet from other people. If you are sick, it's doubly important to stay home, avoid contact with others as much as you can, and maintain good hygiene.
2. Check On Your Loved Ones And Neighbors
If you’re healthy (and able ) to step outside your home to check on your neighbors — especially at-risk neighbors who are older or who have chronic illnesses, do it. Ask if you can help them with things like grocery shopping or just reach out and offer support. It doesn’t have to be in-person contact. You can call them, video chat with them, Venmo them some money, or offer to deliver groceries from a distance (don’t forget to wear protective garments and sterilize everything you touch).
Do you and your family have a plan of action in case one of you gets coronavirus? It might be worthwhile to get on the same page about what to do in the event of the worst-case scenario. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a checklist for a household plan of action available to download.
3. Donate
There are lots of organizations out there that can help provide resources to people and families who are struggling right now. Here’s a list of a few organizations accepting donations:
Feeding America has 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries. DONATE HERE
Meals on Wheels delivers meals directly to the homes of seniors. DONATE HERE
No Kid Hungry works to end childhood hunger in the United States. DONATE HERE
Center For Disease Philanthropy helps provide assistance to local nonprofit organizations. DONATE HERE
Save The Children is working to make sure children across the world are being treated and taken care of during the pandemic DONATE HERE
Image: Save the Children
Don’t forget to check in with your own community If you really want to make an impact, start by looking within your own community. Check out the website of your local food banks and homeless shelters to find out what their biggest current needs are.
4. Support Local And Small Businesses
An essential way to support your community right now it by shopping locally and continuing to support supporting all those small, on-line fashion businesses that we know and love. Everyone is taking a beating right now, but major retailers and chains will most likely survive the current dip in sales — but smaller companies may not. If you’re shopping for essentials consider heading to your local grocery store rather than major retailers. Just don’t over-stockpile. Save some staples for others please.
Self-isolation and quarantining leaves plenty of time for online retail therapy. Experts are already warning about the crippling effect COVID-19 will have on the fashion industry. That hasn’t stopped a lot of fashion brands from stepping up to help — including some of my favorite fandom labels like Hero Within Clothing. Not only does Hero Within offer high-quality nerdy fashion pieces, the company always gives back. CEO Tony Kim recently shared a heartfelt message about the company hurting right now due to the global ripple effect of the pandemic, but the company is still trying to help — offering 100% of the proceeds of sales of some of their jackets to purchase much-needed N95 masks for medical facilities in need.
If you’ve had your eye on one of these jackets, and you have the resources, consider picking one up now. It’s for a good cause. And continue supporting all those small retailers in the fashion nerdisphere!
5. Please Donate Blood
According to the Red Cross nearly 4,500 blood drives have been canceled across the country due to coronavirus concerns. Because of this we are facing a severe blood shortage so donating blood is one of the best things you can do right now (just make sure you’re 100 percent feeling well before you go donate!). Check out the Red Cross for more information.
As information about the coronavirus pandemic rapidly changes, Fashion and Fandom encourages you to use online resources from from CDC, WHO, and local public health departments to stay up-to-date on the latest developments.
