How to help others during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Written by: Samantha Burgess, editor in chief

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn—With over 100,000 sick, the widespread COVID-19 has impacted us all: forcing many out of jobs and students out of graduation ceremonies and classes. During these unprecedented times, one of the best ways to stay motivated and serve is by helping those in need.

Here is a list of several ways that you can help others during this pandemic:

Follow government orders and safety precautions 

The easiest way you can help others is by following the necessary precautions to help flatten the curve (i.e. slow down the spread) of the virus. This means adhering to government orders by staying at home and only leaving to go to work or to get necessities such as groceries and medication. It’s important to also follow CDC guidelines such as washing your hands, covering coughs and sneezing into tissues and wearing gloves and a mask when necessary. If you are exhibiting symptoms please reach out to your primary health care provider and make sure to self-quarantine.

Start a support group on social media 

The effects of this pandemic can take a toll on anyone: emotionally, physically and financially. Due to social distancing requirements, one of the best ways to offer support is over social media. You can start all kinds of support groups. If you’re out of a job or know many people who are, start a group for those unemployed. You can offer emotional and financial support and post any job openings that are available. If you’re a student, start a support group for your school. Members can offer each other emotional support as well as offer opportunities to help tutor each other. Don’t forget to connect with your church group on social media as well! It is important to stay connected to your local church through online services as well as find opportunities for your church group to serve.

Volunteer

COVID-19 has left many organizations with scant donations and volunteers at a time when the need is at its highest. The Chattanooga Area Food Bank is looking for volunteers to help with restocking their warehouse and sorting and packing food. With schools closing down, there are many families who are unable to feed their children at this time. Several organizations are looking for volunteers to feed these families, such as YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga and Bus Food Delivery. The Salvation Army is also looking for volunteers to hand out snacks and clothing. Monetary donations or supply donations are also a big help to these organizations. For other organizations local to your area visit Feeding America.

Donate blood

While donating blood isn’t a pleasant experience, it could save someone’s life. During this pandemic, many hospitals are in need of blood. The American Red Cross, in particular, is facing a severe blood shortage due to an unprecedented number of blood drive cancellations during this COVID-19 outbreak. If you are healthy and able, find a location to give blood.

Donate to the COVID-19 response fund

Donating to this fund will help put an end to COVID-19 and treat those affected. Both the World Health Organization and the Center for Disease Control have a response fund.

Donating to these response funds helps with:

  • Putting in place activities to Track and understand the spread of the virus;
  • Ensuring patients get the care they need
  • Buying and shipping essential supplies such as masks, gloves and protective wear for frontline workers
  • Producing evidence-based guidelines and advice, and making sure health workers and responders get the information and training to detect and treat affected patients;
  • Producing guidance for the general public and for particular groups on measures to take to prevent the spread and prevent themselves and others
  • Accelerating efforts to develop vaccines, tests and treatments.
  1. Serve the elderly in your local community 

The elderly are the most vulnerable at this time as they may not have access to information or necessities and are more susceptible to the virus. Reach out to the seniors in your neighborhood and community and see how you can serve them. That may mean helping them get groceries or medication or simply updating them on current news if they don’t have access to it. The City of Chattanooga is helping to keep seniors informed about COVID-19 through the Senior Citizen Phone Bank.

  1. Pray about it

From a Christian perspective, it’s important that we come to the Lord in prayer and petition. It’s important that we pray about the current pandemic and lift up those in need in prayer. It’s also important to remember that God has a purpose in everything and that trusting him allows us not to give into fear in these uncertain times. Of course, remember that service is still equally as important as prayer.

By coming together and taking action to help each other, we can overcome this virus.

 *Note: this article contains ideas and opinions from the author and are not a reflection of the views of the Triangle or Bryan College as a whole.

Samantha Burgess is a senior communication major with an emphasis in digital media and is editor in chief for the Triangle. Her interests in writing include profiles and feature articles. Burgess can often be found curled up with a good book, writing, listening to music or watching Netflix.