15 ways to be helpful during self-isolation

It's really easy to feel helpless right now, but there are some things people can do.

Foster a pet if you can! Animals need care during this time and shelters are going to be running on a smaller and smaller staff, so it would help if they had fewer animals to look after, if only temporarily
Check in with people. This is good for you and them
Donate to food banks, they're very important right now
If you have loved ones who are a high risk group, offer to run errands for them if you can
Plan virtual hang outs. They are so fun and so heartening
Make things and share them. People will feel more connected and it's honestly nice to see non-news things get posted
Share any online resources you know (this post is coming!)
Follow all the recommendations of social distancing and hygiene. I feel like this one is obvious, but it's super important
Take time to sort through your stuff and see what you don't need then figure out where to donate it. Now, some of these places may not be able to collect things right now, but that will eventually change and you'll be ready
If you're in an area where you can and you are able to, donate blood. A lot of efforts to get blood donors are going to be curtailed during this time and people will still need blood donations
Donate to places supplying important goods to those in need. In Chicago, My Block My Hood My City has launched a campaign to receive and distribute donations of hand sanitizers, health supplements, toiletries, and food to Chicago's elderly. There is also Brave Space Alliance, a South Side-based LGBTQ organization, has new online and mutual aid programming in response to COVID-19 with a food pantry will prioritize people who are sick, disabled, quarantined without pay, elderly, undocumented, black, brown or indigenous people.
Donate to artist relief funds. In Chicago there is the Chicago Artists Relief Fund
Donate to hospitality employee relief funds. In Chicago there is the Chicago Hospitality Employee Relief Guide
If your city has a COVID relief fund, considering donating.
Spread the word of places that need donations. Even if you can't afford to donate right now, chances are a social media post by you can reach someone who can

(Prompt by me)

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