How to Give Back During COVID-19

Giving back obviously helps others, but it also helps you. All our lives have been affected by this unprecedented time, but we can still effect positive change. Giving back helps us realize that we’re not alone and really are “all in this together.” It enables you to make new like-minded friendships, improve the health and mental well-being of others and yourself, and will even look good on your resume. Here are some of the ways you can become one of the helpers:

Support other small businesses

Hire a local contractor to make building improvements: roof repair or replacement, gutter cleaning, landscaping
Buy gift cards now to use at a later date
Add a tip to your total when ordering delivery or takeout
Volunteer your web design, writing, marketing, legal, or financial services to local businesses

Become a mentor

Use your knowledge and experience to help others achieve their life goals.

SCORE.org offers confidential business mentoring services
The Mentoring Partnership of Southwestern PA administers training to help good people become great youth mentors
Youth Enrichment Services connects young people with mentors to inspire their success

Become a pen pal

Some individuals are facing more challenges and isolation than others. A friendly note takes only a few minutes of your time and it could make someone’s entire day.

ManorCare Health Services-Whitehall Borough offers post-hospital, skilled nursing care during recuperation. It launched a virtual pen pal program in March.

Franklin County Area Agency on Aging delivers letters to seniors who are facing isolation due to COVID-19.

Adopt or foster a furry pal

If you’re working from home, now might be the perfect time to introduce a new family member! Contact Animal Friends, the Humane Animal Rescue, or Steel City Dog Rescue.

Put your talents to good use

We all have abilities beyond our job skills that can be used to help.

Sew masks for a local hospital
Offer to set up a GoFundMe page for someone in need

Provide a service

Have a car, a scanner, or time to volunteer? See how you can help below.

Meals on Wheels provides nutrition and friendship for at-risk seniors
Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank helpers are found in the repack center, on the farms, distributing produce, or helping with clerical support
412 Food Rescue prevents perfectly good food from entering the food waste stream by redirecting it to those who are experiencing food insecurity. You can help deliver food from their network of local organizations to those in need with their Food Rescue Hero app
Bookshare is an ebook library that makes reading easier for those with reading barriers. They need people to scan books and proofread scans
Crisis Text Line provides 30 hours of free crisis counselor training if you’re able to donate a minimum of 200 hours to help those in need

Donate

If you’re in the fortunate position of being able to make a monetary donation, consider the following:

Christopher's Kitchen provides food and drink to those who are in the hospital with their loved ones.They fill pantries at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh and at the Children’s Home and Lemieux Family Center for families who are hungry while waiting with their sick or injured children.
The WHO’s COVID Solidarity Relief Fund leads the global response to track the virus spread, ensure patient care and PPE for frontline workers, and accelerate vaccine and treatment development
Shelter Listings lists homeless shelters by city. Check the website or call a shelter near you to see what they most need, then make a contactless donation.

We can't possibly list all of the deserving nonprofits on this page, but you can always check out a list of local organizations in need of donations.

Donate blood

This ultimate gift has the power to heal and provide second chances. Contact Vitalant or American Red Cross.

Volunteer

If you want to volunteer, but still aren’t sure where to start, the following organizations list specific opportunities. Find one that’s right for you.

Be patient and be kind

We’re all under more stress due to the pandemic and while these gestures may seem small, they can make a big difference for someone.

Cook for an elderly or ill neighbor or relative. Wash your hands for 20 seconds, of course, and wear a mask when preparing, packing, and delivering food. Call ahead and leave your delivery at their doorstep.
Contact a friend, an old classmate or teacher, or relative who lives alone. Let them know how much you enjoy talking with them and that you think of them often.
Be especially kind to our healthcare workers, paramedics, firefighters, police, sanitation workers, and delivery persons. We all owe them a great deal of gratitude.

Take care of yourself

One of the best services you can do for your community is to stay safe and follow the CDC and WHO guidelines. Not spreading the virus is the most important way you can help!