COVID-19 is posing enormous economic, social, health, and environmental challenges to the human population. The outbreak is severely disrupting the world economy, with most nations struggling to slow down the rate of transmission.
The disease has further made it hard for people to lead normal lives, forcing many to depend on well-wishers for survival.
People in Tampa Bay are among those who need help to cope with the effects of the Coronavirus. Relying majorly on tourism activities, the region has been largely affected since limited activities are going on. There are many possible ways people can help those living in Tampa Bay.
Charities Donations to Families Affected by the Coronavirus
COVID-19 has seen charitable groups in Tampa Bay assist families in need, but the amount of those who need help is growing. This has made it a bit hard for these charities to offer assistance to all the individuals and families in need. Many people in Tampa Bay are struggling not only financially, but also emotionally.
What can you do to help those hit hard by the Coronavirus? From donating masks and blood to giving out foodstuffs, there are several ways to assist others in Tampa Bay while maintaining social distancing, which is vital to keeping yourself safe.
Organizations Through Which You Can Make Your Donations
Reaching those who need help may be hard if you are not sure where to start. Here is a list of some of the organizations you can trust when you wish to help others in the Tampa Bay region.
To expound more, these are trustworthy organizations that have been attracting donations from billionaires and Silicon Valley giants. Of course, you don’t have to give as much as Jack Dorsey or Bill Gates. These charities accept whatever amount you have.
Support the Helpers
- Community Action Stops Abuse (CASA)
CASA is renowned for its efforts in stopping domestic violence. During this period, the organization is actively involved in housing children who aren’t at daycare or in school. The children need books, toys, and foodstuffs. The center can also use cleaning detergents and equipment among other items that are essential in keeping everyone in the facility safe.
- Ronald McDonald House
Despite the difficulties everyone is facing, Ronald McDonald Houses have not taken a break from helping families with hospitalized children. Before the pandemic, volunteers would visit the houses to cook and feed these children. But this is no longer possible. You can only help by contributing to an emergency fund, which you can view on the company’s official website.
- Feeding Tampa Bay
This organization supplies various items to different food pantries. Food donations from grocery stores and individuals have slowed as a result of COVID-19, even though the demand for food and is increasing. Cash donations remain the best way to help. According to the company, $1 is equal to 10 meals. So, you can donate any amount you have without feeling as though it is too little to be of any help.
- One Blood
The Coronavirus does not stop the need for blood. OneBlood, Tampa Bay’s blood bank, takes precautions to ensure donors are safe. It is also urging people to donate since many people are afraid to do so for fear of being infected. If you want to donate blood, you can do so through OneBlood. They have put several measures in place to promote your safety.
- Daystar Life Center
You can donate food, household goods, personal care items, clothing to help the underprivileged. You can also donate money to the center to enable them to restock various items. The food varieties that Daystar Life Center needs most are soup, pasta and sauce, peanut butter, tuna, dry cereal, macaroni and cheese, beans of any kind, canned fruit, and canned vegetables
The above are some of the organizations you can rest assured will have your donation reach those in dire need. With them, you are also assured of your safety since all of them are observing strict measures that ensure you are not at the risk of being infected. Most of them also accept online donations, so you don’t have to visit their physical locations.
Make Masks
Due to the high demand for masks, the current supply is not meeting this demand. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is calling upon people in various parts of the United States, including Tampa Bay to join hands in making masks for free.
Through Joann Fabrics, you can make masks at home from the materials that they give to you. You then return the complete masks to their facilities. You can also join The Mask Project Tampa Bay, a Facebook group with a mission to make masks that they donate to caregivers. They also collect supplies like gloves, hand sanitizers, and wipes to help promote hygiene.
Offer Treats to Healthcare Workers
With nursing homes and hospital workers working long hours and experiencing stressful days, a treat for them is a great way to let society show its appreciation. For instance, a local fundraiser within Tampa Bay pairs up a local restaurant with a healthcare provider or hospital each day to provide meals to the workers.
You can also custom-make gifts you feel will cheer-up the workers and drop them at your nearest health center. If you have family members or friends working in the health care sector, you can treat them often to their favorite meals or any other affectionate gifts.
Together We Can End the Pandemic
The emergence of the Coronavirus in 2019 has caused a major health issue that has further crumbled the world economy. COVID-19 is quite infectious, with close contact being the primary mode of transmission. The ease of transmission has made nations to campaign for social distancing, making it impossible to continue with the normal life people were used to.
Businesses and day to day activities have been affected. This has left many people in Tampa Bay and the world at large in need of various things including food, masks, hand sanitizers, and household good. Organizations and individuals have come together to help those affected. You can also be part of the initiative by donating anything you can to those in need as well as supporting local businesses.