WAYS TO HELP DURING COVID-19 //
Thank you so much for your thoughtful comments, emails, and DMs in response to my last post. These past few weeks have been emotional to say the least. I am so grateful for the community of kind, fashionable, and wonderful people I have found through Atlantic-Pacific. Today, I would like to take a moment and highlight a few ways you can help during this time. I acknowledge this is an abbreviated list. If you have have other suggestions, organizations, or ways your community needs help, please feel free to add a comment!
Donate to Feeding America or your local food bank to help feed those in need. Feeding America is already dedicated to serving some of the 37 million Americans who face hunger, but that number has grown exponentially as children who rely on free or reduced-price meals at school are now at home and the overall economic impact of COVID-19 has begun to effect many families and individuals. I have donated to both the overall Feeding America Fund as well as my local food bank, All Faiths Food Bank. You can find your local food bank on their website here.
American Red Cross is facing a blood shortage due to the outbreak. If you are healthy and able, please give blood. Click here to schedule an appointment.
Hospitals all across the country are facing a shortage of medical supplies that include: face masks, gowns, face shields, gloves, shoe coverings, and so much more. If you have or have access to supplies and can donate please contact your local hospital to coordinate. Many NYC area hospitals are quoting 7-10 days before they are completely out of necessary supplies that are vital to protecting professional while they are treating patients.
Consider donating to the non-profits that you believe in. The sad reality is that many non-profits who do incredible work will not survive this shut down. Here is an article with some sobering statics. I have donated to Glide as well as the Salvation Army.
Shop small and support local business and restaurants that you love. While many small businesses and restaurants have had to temporarily close, and in some cases cease all operations including online orders or to-go orders, you can still find ways to support by buying gift cards for future use, leaving positive reviews, buying takeout/shopping, leaving generous tips if you can, or supporting the Restaurant Workers Community Foundation. Also, oftentimes it is a simple as asking how you may be able to help. Everyone has different needs and there may be other ways (that are non-monetary) to provide assistance during this time.
Be kind and take care of each other. Follow the directions of WHO and the CDC and ensure you are doing everything you can to stay safe and healthy while also protecting others. Check in on elderly neighbors, call friends and family who many be extremely isolated, and ask if there are additional ways to help those on the front lines, such as feeding the doctors and nurses at your local hospitals.
Thank you again for your continued support and love. I hope that all of you are healthy and finding ways to get through this unsettling time together. After receiving so many encouraging notes from readers I will resume posting fashion outfits and stories again this week. I acknowledge the world has changed, but in creating content I am attempting to return to a fragment of normalcy in my own life, while hoping to provide a bit of distraction in yours. For the next three months I will be donating all proceeds that I earn through commissions (affiliate links) to Feeding America.
XO,
BEE
