Giving Back Amid COVID-19

It’s an unprecedented time. As the world navigates the COVID-19 crisis, it’s more important than ever to help one another through this chapter. The pandemic is changing much more than our routines and business practices, for many of our neighbors and community members, it’s been life-altering.

There are countless ways to give support, but we’ve assembled our short list – vetted, worthy organizations and ideas that will help care for our community and those most in need.

Get the Basics Right

Make sure you’re doing your part to stay safe and slow the spread. Obey stay-at-home orders, be good stewards of resources, and implement safety precautions published by the CDC. Remember, too, that we’re all in this together. Treating others well goes a long way! Be patient and empathetic with friends, neighbors and colleagues, remembering that this is a challenging, anxiety-filled time for everyone.

Look Local

Small businesses are struggling, so support is more important and appreciated than ever. There are lots of ways to help your favorite establishments. Safe, no-cost ways include writing a positive review, sharing any promotions or news that they’re publishing, or even interacting with them on social media. It really does make a difference! If you are able to support via purchases, consider a gift card or use the Support Seattle Small Business map to guide you. Updated in real-time, it shows open restaurants, their current menus, and service options including takeout, delivery, and curbside pickup.

Support those in the Medical Field

Healthcare workers continue to show up to work each day, adjusting to new protocols, fighting the spread of COVID-19, and facing the realities of the pandemic head-on.

To show support, Fremont’s Book Larder created a unique, “Meals for the Helpers” program, which delivers dinners to resident and attending physicians, nurses, and respiratory therapists at Harborview Medical Center. (You can purchase a $10 “ticket,” here, each ticket sponsors a meal.)

An even simpler way to show your support: say thank you! Don’t underestimate the power of an encouraging word or sincere thank you! Most of us know someone in the medical field, someone putting themselves at risk each day in service of others. Tell them you appreciate them! Or use the platform UW Medicine has created to send encouragement and notes to staff. (You can also review the UW Medicine Emergency Response and choose to support the emergency fund.)

Answer Calls for Aid

Organizations have had to change the way they operate, the way they accept donations, and the way they keep their communities safe. Presently, most are experiencing great need.

We’re long-time supporters of Mary’s Place and believers in their mission to empower homeless women, children, and families to reclaim their lives.” Currently, they’re short of critical medical supplies, essentials like cough drops, Peidalyte and hand sanitizer. Review their list of needs, or order directly from their Amazon.com Charity List.

Another opportunity to give is found in Seattle’s FareStart, The organization breaks the cycle of poverty by providing food industry job training and relevant experience to its program participants. In response to the COVID-19 crisis, they’ve scaled up their emergency meal service, providing more than 15,000 emergency meals a day to support shelters, quarantine and isolation centers, and other communities in need. They also continue to support program students and graduates. Stretched thin, they’re asking for donations and aid.

Thank you for reading and for joining us as we strive to make a positive difference. From our team to you – we wish you and your loved ones well during this difficult time. We’re all in this together.
Be well!

—