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
Fatima
You have been such a great example for fellow fashion bloggers/influencers in this difficult time. I applaud you for using your platform and influence for good and hope others follow suit.
Blair
Thank you Fatima! I appreciate your message. We will all get through this together! XO, BEE
Faith
I just want to say I really appreciate your thoughtfulness and sincerity during this time. Even the fact that you took a pause was a blessing. It felt like it acknowledged our shared experience walking through this time. Thank you for your emails and response. It reminds me why you are my favorite.
Thank you.
Blair
Hi Faith. Thanks for such a sweet note! XO, BEE
Meredith
You’re amazing, BEE. Keep up the excellent work <3
Blair
Thanks Meredith – I’ll do my best! XO, BEE
Megan
Yes, please do continue to post fashion. I need some other things to look at to make life feel normal right now.
Blair
Hi Megan. Will do! XO, BEE
Ana
Please don’t stop posting your fashion photos. You are an inspiration to women and your style always wants me to wear colours and try different styles. I truly enjoy your photos!
Tingting
I appreciate your attitude! In China, when the outbreak was just known, many people were busy reprimanding the government and forwarding all kinds of sensational news. Most people were busy denouncing rather than doing things.
I also made some donations, and then spent a lot of time to identify the news. Now, the situation in China has been restored as the media said. I think I should only spend A little part of my time watching the news every day, then protect myself and do what I can do.
Meredith
Hi Blair, I love reading your posts, and seeing all of your creative outfits. Your blog is always fun to read, especially during this difficult time. Although we’ve never met, thank you for reaching out a hand to all of us. The Red Cross is near and dear to my heart, so am grateful that you included them in your post, in addition to all of the other organizations that you listed. If there’s a silver lining during this time it’s that it is good to see everyone coming together to help one another. xo
Annie
Hi! I’m a daily reader of your blog. I love how colorful, fun and specific it is. It’s eye candy for fashion freaks! That’s what makes it great. Fashion isn’t frivolous, it’s an art form. It may not be life and death, but it injects fun into troubled times. I’m pleased with your awareness and concern and I’m glad you will continue to post pretty things. You’re using your talents to do your part, as we all should!?❤❤?
Kelly
Thank you for sharing these links, it is so important to give back in any way you can! Here in England you can actually even sign up via the National Health Service to chat to those are feeling lonely!
xx Kelly
Sparkles and Shoes
marissa
thank you for this update! my sister and i are making masks to donate to our local hospital. stay safe!
Britt
Hi, Blair! Thank you for your honesty regarding your uncertainty about the role of fashion right now and for, as another reader pointed out, using your platform to promote organizations that support those who need it during these times of crisis. You have always seemed so down-to-earth (in a way that many other bloggers are not), and I’m glad to see that you balance your fun, funky fashion with sensibility. Take care!
Monika
Thank you for this post! Take care! 🙂
Samantha
Hi Everyone. I normally volunteer at Jefferson Hospital in Philadelphia, but it’s restricted right now, so I joined this start-up group that’s collecting masks from community members and donating them to local hospitals. They’ve already collected over 300 in just a week. My group is in Philadelphia, but they do have some other locations as well. It’s called Philly Mask Brigade and they have an Instagram account. Please check them out and share with others. And thanks Blaire for using your platform for good! ?
Pam Avoledo
I like how the tie-dye is subtle. It’s how I prefer it. The constant swirls in some designs is gaudy.