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Service does not need to stop after a veteran takes off their uniform. People around the country are having a tough time right now because of the pandemic. From people losing jobs to the stock market plunging, to simply being stuck in social isolation there are millions of Americans struggling.
Our country sent us overseas to deal with crises, but now we need to help in doing the same at home.
First things first, practice the safety protocols as presented by the World Health Organization (WHO):
- Practice social distancing (3 feet).
- Quarantine if you start having a fever, cough, tiredness, or difficulty breathing.
- Wash your hands and cough into your elbow if you have to cough.
- Avoid touching your face.
Also, look into your local businesses, especially grocery stores, and respect their hours for seniors and others of our most at-risk populations. If you are eligible for healthcare through the VA, give telehealth a try before you go into the hospital and put others at risk.
Give blood.
The American Red Cross is experiencing a severe blood shortage. Directly from the US Surgeon General:
“You can still go out and give blood. We’re worried about potential blood shortages in the future. Social distancing does not have to mean social disengagement.”
If you feel so inclined, wear red and post a picture of yourself under #WR2GR to support Team Red, White, and Blue’s effort to help with the current blood shortage.
Volunteer with Team Rubicon
Launching under the #NeighborsHelpingNeighbors initiative, Team Rubicon isn’t slacking off in these times. They are orchestrating responses in local neighborhoods as well as seeking volunteers to help them remotely. Check their website to see what you can contribute.
Help with healthcare
Healthcare workers are on the front lines of an unprecedented event right now. Many are not only separated from their families but are overworked and putting their lives at risk to help those afflicted with the virus and other healthcare problems.
Flexport works with nonprofits, government agencies and companies around the world to get urgently needed supplies such as personal protective equipment and hygiene items to communities in need. They are currently focusing all their efforts on getting supplies to frontline healthcare workers and can greatly use your donations to keep our nation’s healthcare workers safe.
Make sure people can eat
The pandemic is making getting food a serious complication for many people. Some people are out of work and are worried about simply having the resources to get food, while others are worried about spreading the disease.
Chefs for America is helping deliver meals and putting together Community Kitchens. Currently, they are packaging meals in New York City, Washington DC, Little Rock, Los Angeles, and Oakland for families to pick up. They are seeking volunteers for multiple initiatives and are also in need of donations.
Feeding America is working to build food boxes to help those most at need. They are in need of money, food donations via local food banks, and people to help pack food boxes. They have a special emphasis on helping at-risk school children.
Invest in people
Now is a tough time for a lot of retail businesses.
Since 2008 I’ve been regularly investing on Kiva. Kiva aims to provide small loans to populations that have a hard time getting capital. They have a team made up of US Service Members that has made over $357,000 in loans to over 12,000 borrowers. If you only want to fund projects in the US, you can filter to do so.
Kiva can be a really attractive option because you (almost always) get your money back. The small amount of interest earned goes to the actual bank that handles all the transactions- you simply provide a portion of the funds to make it happen. In the 10 years I’ve been using Kiva and over 100 loans made, I’ve lost less than $50 due to defaults, but funded thousands to entrepreneurs all over the world. Start funding entrepreneurs today.
Now is not the time to sit in your PJs and binge Netflix. Take action. Do your part and continue to be of service.
We are all in this together.