12 Ways to Help Others in Your Community Who May Be Hit Hardest by COVID-19

1. Follow your state's guidance: If your state governor has issued a stay-at-home or shelter-in-place directive, it's important to understand the guidance thoroughly and adhere to it.


2. Practice Social Engagement: As restrictions are being put in place to promote social distancing—avoiding crowds and limiting close contact (at least six feet) with anyone outside of immediate family—you can still stay in touch and communicate with family and friends by phone, mail or technologies like FaceTime, Zoom or WhatsApp.


3. Help your local food pantry: Contact your local food pantry or give to our partner No Kid Hungry. Your support will help them provide food items for families in need.


4. Check on neighbors and family members, especially those who live alone, are elderly, have health or mobility issues or are caring for children.


5. Support local businesses, schools and child care centers: When possible, purchase gift cards to local shops businesses online that you can use once storefronts reopen, and uplift those who are trying to keep afloat.


6. Provide support to frontline health workers and first responders: Many health workers are not able to stay at home and are working around the clock, so take on tasks that they don’t have time to do as an expression of gratitude.
   
   
7. Give blood if you’re able: Red Cross and other organizations are in dire need of blood supply and have safe, healthy ways for you to donate.


8. Assist in local fundraising efforts: Look into options that provide much-needed supplies to families, such as Amazon Wish Lists, as well as the work of your local community and volunteer organizations.


9. Stay informed and stay calm: Only share information from credible sources like your state department of health or the CDC. Remember, when you stay calm, others will follow.
   
   
10. Be prepared for hurricane season. The 2020 hurricane season brings additional challenges this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It's important to understand how your community will respond if disaster strikes and adhere to guidance. Public confusion over evacuation orders and procedures could put both your family and your community at risk. Stay prepared by monitoring the weather, packing emergency supplies and planning an evacuation route.


11. Participate in the United States 2020 Census: This helps ensure children and families are counted and that communities, towns and states receive appropriate funding allocations and representation in government. Currently, data collection is active until Oct 31, 2020.


12. Take care of yourself and others: Practice patience, kindness and mindfulness. Encourage others to do the same!
    
    

You’re not alone. As the world’s leading expert on childhood, Save the Children is here to help. Visit Coronavirus and Kids: Resources from Save the Children for more tools and tips you can trust for parents, caregivers, teachers and all those who care about children in crisis.