1. Keep yourself and others safe

Practice social distancing by staying at least 6 feet away from people not in your household. Stay home as much as possible. Wash your hands! These changes will help ensure that if you are infected and not showing symptoms, you won’t help spread the virus. It will also keep you safe! 

2. Check on your friends and family

Social distancing doesn’t mean you can’t be social! While Colorado’s stay at home order prevents you from seeing people outside of your household unless providing necessary care or working at an essential business, there are many other ways you can check in on your friends and family. Crisis situations can create or exacerbate feelings of loneliness, stress, panic, and other mental health struggles, so it’s important to stay connected. Schedule a video chat or phone call, host virtual book clubs or movie nights, or play online games with the people you care about – being separated doesn’t mean anyone has to be alone!

3. Give blood

Because of new rules prohibiting gatherings of more than 10 people, blood drives are being cancelled across the country. As a result, hospitals are experiencing a blood shortage for those in cancer treatment or facing other medical crises. Additionally, health organizations are looking for donors who have recovered from the virus and have antibodies in their platelets to aid with recovery. Health professionals have emphasized that giving blood during the pandemic is completely safe! Here are blood donation sites in the greater Denver area.

4. Donate to COVID-19 Relief

There are many organizations coming together to fund emergency issues that are arising as a result of this pandemic. If you are able, consider donating to one of the funds below to help those who have been most impacted. 

• Colorado COVID Relief Fund: Hosted by the State of Colorado and Mile High United Way, funds will provide flexible resources to organizations in our state working with communities who are disproportionately impacted by the outbreak. 
• Denver Public Schools Foundation Food Security Fund: DPS Foundation has identified food security as the greatest need for their most vulnerable families right now. This fund will allow the district to continue distributing Grab-and-Go meals to any child 18 years old and younger at 12 sites throughout the city.
• Colorado Blueprint to End Hunger COVID-19 Emergency Hunger Relief Fund: Colorado funders came together to create this fund in response to urgent food access and nutritional needs that are emerging in our communities as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic

5. Thank medical professionals on the front lines of the virus

Nurses and doctors are working tirelessly to help those fighting the virus recover. As a way to say thank you, YouthRoots Board of Directors member Kevin Graff started the Cheers and Chow project, which donates GrubHub gift cards to nurses and doctors as a way to thank them while supporting the struggling restaurant industry. Every $40 feeds one nurse or doctor and their families. Can’t donate? Send a message of thanks through the project page as well. 

6. Support your favorite organizations

While not every organization is on the front lines of the fight, many nonprofits will take a hit as a result of the pandemic. There are a few ways you can help nonprofits who may be struggling.

Volunteer: Many organizations rely on volunteers for normal operations and may be relying on them even more so in the face of this crisis. There are plenty of ways to volunteer in person if you’re healthy and comfortable doing so, or online if you’re not! 

• Click here to register for volunteer opportunities in Colorado. They are specifically looking for people who can share reliable information, provide virtual support, deliver food, medication, and medical supplies, and help with daily tasks for people who live alone.
• Click here for remote volunteer opportunities throughout the country.

Donate: Events have been cancelled and normal operations are changing for many nonprofits throughout the United States. If you’re able, continue giving to your favorite organization(s) who may be struggling financially as a result of this pandemic.

7. Connect with your neighbors and community to see how you can help

Things seem to be changing by the minute as we progress through this pandemic, and as a result the needs of our communities are constantly evolving. Reach out to your neighbors and community to see what needs are emerging and how you might be able to help!