How to Offer Your Helping Hand as the Coronavirus Pandemic Unfolds

Do you want to help your local community during these trying times but you're not sure how? Here's how to offer your helping hand to those who need it the most.

Experts estimate that around 150 million Americans will eventually contract the coronavirus.



This means that every community in the country will eventually suffer some of the virus's devastating consequences. 
In light of this, many individuals have started to wonder how they might offer a helping hand to those in their community that need it.
Read on as we look at some of the best ways to help neighbors and friends during this trying time.

Share What You Have

The coronavirus pandemic will pose as many indirect economic challenges as direct, illness-related ones. As businesses are forced to remain closed, many Americans will be without work, and therefore without money.
If you find yourself in a better position than those around you, look for ways to share your good fortune. 
Lend food and supplies to your neighbors, and don't look for them to return anything. If you provide an essential service, consider offering a discounted rate to those who need your help but can't afford it.

Offer a Helping Hand to a Nonprofit

Charitable organizations are already shouldering a huge burden in this struggle. The longer it lasts, the greater their need for human resources will be.
If you've never volunteered for a charity before, now is the perfect time. No matter how small your contribution is, it could end up being of vital importance to someone in need. 

Support Local Industry

This one is a little less obvious than the others. However, it could be just as important.
Traditional brick-and-mortar shops have been under increasing pressure for a long time due to the number of people that now shop online. The pandemic may be the final straw for many small businesses.
As movement restrictions allow, support your local shops. Buy a book in your local bookstore or a pair of jeans in your local boutique if they are still open.

Visit the Elderly

This one is a little tricky, as the elderly are at a particularly high risk from the virus and are therefore advised to avoid contact with others as much as possible.
However, you can still visit your elderly friends and relatives. Talk to them from a distance, perhaps through a window. Failing that, contact them by phone or over the internet. 
Making sure they have everything they need is important. However, providing them with positive human contact may be just as welcome an intervention, especially for those living alone.

Make a Donation

If you can afford it, a financial donation to the right charity could do untold good.
The obvious charities are those that provide healthcare and vital supplies to those that cannot afford them. However, charities that provide mental health services or support to sufferers of domestic abuse are also under greater strain at this time.

Getting Through the Coronavirus Pandemic Together

We are in uncharted waters. This pandemic will get worse before it gets better, and it's impossible to tell what the outcome for our country and our world will be.
However, the more people that offer one another a helping hand during this crisis, the better off we will all be.
If you found value in this article, be sure to check out the rest of our blog!