Oftentimes, helping others is good way to get our minds off our own worries. If you are willing and able, several organizations need help during these uncertain times, whether it’s donating to a crisis fund, volunteering to deliver groceries to the elderly (without any contact), or sewing face masks at home. Ultimately, it’s up to you and what you are comfortable with. If you are looking for some ideas, we have you covered with the list below.
If you or a family member needs resources for support during this time, check out our content on mental health tips.
Donate
Loving Lynx: Funds go to CU Denver students experiencing unanticipated events related to the pandemic, such as safety needs, medication, and emergency housing. Donate today.
Food Bank of the Rockies: The statewide food bank is committed to its partner agencies (including CU Denver’s Mobile Food Pantry) and anyone experiencing food insecurity during this time. Donate today.
Colorado COVID Relief Fund: Funds will provide resources to Colorado organizations working with communities who are disproportionately impacted by the outbreak. Donate today.
COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund: The World Health Organization (WHO) is leading a global effort to support countries to prevent, detect, and respond to the pandemic. Donations support WHO’s “work to track and understand the spread of the virus; to ensure patients get the care they need and frontline workers get essential supplies and information; and to accelerate efforts to develop vaccines, tests, and treatments.” Donate today.
Feeding America’s COVID-19 Response Fund: Help food banks across the country as they support communities impacted by the pandemic. Funds will be used to aid the most vulnerable people throughout the country. Donate today.
Volunteer
If you’re a health care professional, retiree, or student, you’re eligible to sign up to volunteer. You’ll be contacted and matched with a hospital or care facility in need in your area. Learn more.
The Food Bank of the Rockies needs healthy individuals and groups to help provide food to those facing hunger in the community. Increased safety measures are in place to protect volunteers. Sign up online or email the volunteer team at volunteer@foodbankrockies.org.
A Little Help is a local nonprofit that connects neighbors to older adults in need of help during this time. The nonprofit is looking for older adults who need help with grocery shopping, prescription pick-up, and social connection, and volunteers to assist in errands and provide “care calls.” Learn more.
Mile High United Way is looking for healthy residents to volunteer to assist providers in preparing meals, distributing supplies, and helping keep shelter facilities clean and safe for Denver’s homeless. Learn more.
Spark the Change Colorado’s volunteer database has a list of organizations in need of volunteers across the state.
Create
Formed with the help of CU Denver faculty, the Make4Covid Community needs makers, designers, industry experts, and healthcare professionals to help support the urgent needs of healthcare workers and first responders during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you have any personal protective equipment—such as face shields, face masks, ventilators or raw materials for making equipment—connect with Make4Covid here.
Support Local Businesses
Support your local restaurants during this time by ordering takeout or delivery. Or, purchase a gift card for later. Concerned about the safety of ordering out? Consider these tips from the food and dining site Eater. Need help choosing a restaurant? 303 Denver offers an extensive list of more than 300 local restaurants offering takeout.