During a time of global pandemic, it’s easy to feel discouraged as the coming weeks are uncertain. Many people are struggling during this time, and helping others is a great way to not only bring hope to others, but to also lift our own spirits!

There are so many people and organizations that need help right now. In this post, we will share a few ways that you can help your church, small businesses, health care workers, and your friends and family.

How you can help your church

• Since churches are not able to meet in person, consider giving your tithes and offerings online! If your church does not use an online giving platform, you can mail a check to the church office.
• Tune into your church’s online service. This is a great way to stay connected during a time of social distancing. If your church doesn’t offer online services, consider supporting another local church’s live stream.
• Send a supportive message to church leadership, as this is an unprecedented time. Let them know you support them and are thankful for them!

How you can help small businesses

• Purchase a gift card from a local business that you can use later. The small business will appreciate your purchase now, and you get to enjoy using or gifting the card later!
• Shop online from a local retailer. With “non-life sustaining” businesses not operating, brick and mortar stores are physically closed, but their websites are open!
• Order carry-out or delivery from local restaurants. Dining rooms across the country are closed, but many family-owned restaurants are still taking carry-out orders or even offering delivery services!
• Write a thoughtful review on a small business’s Facebook page or Google listing. Good reviews can make a huge difference for business owners!
• Share a small business owner’s social media pages so others can see their work and support them as well.

How you can help health care workers

• Stay home! This helps to “flatten the curve” and avoid overcrowded hospitals.
• Donate blood. Due to many blood drives being cancelled, the Red Cross has announced that they are running low on blood supply. You can make an appointment to give blood near you, in a safe and clean space!
• Send an encouraging message to anyone who works in a health care facility. These are difficult times and many health care workers are working overtime hours fighting this pandemic, to keep us healthy. Let them know you are thinking of them and appreciate their life saving work!

How you can help your friends and family

• Call or Facetime your friends and family members to check in on them and keep them company virtually!
• If you have older family members, drop off some groceries and other essentials on their doorstep so they don’t have to leave their home.
• Encourage your loved ones to spend time outside in their yard or take a walk around their neighborhood. Fresh air is a great way to avoid “cabin fever”. Just be sure to keep a social distance while you are out!

We are all in new territory right now, but we are all in this together. If you have any other ideas on ways to help others during the COVID-19 pandemic, please leave a comment. We would love to hear your ideas!