During this time of crisis, it is easy to feel helpless when the best thing to do to help is stay at home. One way to mitigate those feelings, as well as make a substantive difference in your community, is through charity. In addition to donating money, here is a list of ways you can help while in quarantine: 

• Make masks: In Massachusetts, as well as many places around the world, it is now a requirement to use a facemask when in public. However, not everyone can afford to buy a mask or have the resources to make one. If you have a sewing machine and some fabric, you can make face masks for people in your community. If you want to donate them to healthcare workers, JOANN fabric is providing the materials to make the masks, in addition to posting instructional videos walking you through the process. Once you have made the mask, you drop it off at their store, and they will ship it to healthcare workers.
• Donate blood: Due to blood drives being canceled, hospitals are facing a shortage of blood. If you are 17 years or older, the Red Cross is offering safe appointments to donate. This is a direct way to help the sick and save lives.
• Help senior citizens: The elderly population is at the greatest risk from the disease. Many live alone and were facing loneliness prior to the pandemic and have had many of their social ties cut due to the disease. It is also more dangerous for them to get groceries. A great way to help is by calling local elderly. Good Neighbors connects people in the greater Boston area so you can call a senior or get groceries for them. A lot of towns are doing similar things so if you are not in the greater boston area there are still ways you can help.
• Deliver meals or groceries: Deliver meals to senior citizens in need through Meals on Wheels. If you can’t drive yet, go with your family. It is a great way to get involved and get out of the house in a safe and productive way. Or, if you are 16 or above, volunteer to deliver fresh fruit and vegetable boxes to food-insecure families through About Fresh.

These are just some organizations and ways you can help during this time. In addition to volunteering, it is always helpful to donate financially to organizations that are helping during this trying time. 

Image source: Wall Street Journal.