Ways to Give Back Toward COVID-19 Relief Efforts

We are all facing uncertain times. With school closures and much of the workforce significantly affected by COVID-19, many people are wondering what they can do to help. We have outlined a few ways you can consider giving back to local, national or global efforts that support the most vulnerable populations affected by the pandemic.

Our team wants to do our part and are proud to announce that Fire Capital has decided to make donations to Feeding America, Meals on Wheels, Global Giving and The San Francisco Foundation from our Impact Fund.

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FOOD BANKS

Food banks are facing an increased demand as they help to fill the gap providing emergency food boxes for children and families while schools are closed. They are also helping to secure more food assistance for low-income workers who are struggling with getting as many hours as they usually do. Donating money instead of supplies gives them the flexibility of what goods are needed most.

• Feeding America has set up a COVID-19 response fund which you can read more about here. They are a part of a network of 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries across the nation.
• If you’d like to give to a specific food bank in your local community, you can search for one using your zipcode on their homepage.

DONATE: Click here to donate to Feeding America.

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SENIOR CITIZENS

Senior citizens are at the greatest risk during this time as they are particularly susceptible to the virus. Because of the extra precautions for seniors to stay home, there is an increased demand for services that can provide meal delivery and a way to check in on these isolated seniors.

• Meals on Wheels delivers 220 million nutritious meals to 2.4 million seniors annually around the nation. They launched a COVID-19 Response Fund dedicated to serving seniors who are most vulnerable to the virus. They are continuing their home delivery of meals and groceries while implementing extra sanitary safeguards.
• Also, don’t forget to reach out and check in with your elderly neighbors. If you are healthy and able, you can ask them if there is anything you can do for them like pick up their prescriptions or groceries.

DONATE: Click here to donate to Meals on Wheels.

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GLOBAL DISASTER RELIEF

This global pandemic is affecting people in 160 countries worldwide. There is a growing need for more frontline medical professionals and lifesaving supplies such as masks and ventilators. Connecting those most in need with medical help and lifesaving supplies has proven to be challenging.

• Global Giving is the first and largest global crowdfunding community that connects vetted nonprofits, donors and companies around the world. They have a COVID-19 relief fund to be able to quickly deliver funds to community-led organizations that are best suited to provide short-term relief as well as long-term recovery efforts during disasters like this one around the world.

DONATE: Click here to donate to Global Giving.

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OTHER WAYS TO HELP

• Support local small businesses: Many small businesses are struggling as “non-essential” businesses are closed at this time. You can still support your favorite local businesses through purchasing gift cards now to use when they reopen for business.
• Donate blood: There is a shortage of blood donors as an unprecedented number of blood drives have been canceled. If you’re healthy, you can still donate. Find a local donation center here.
• Volunteer: If you’re healthy and want to support with your time, consider volunteering with Meals on Wheels or your local food bank to help support their operational capacity to do their impactful work.

We recognize that you may be struggling with your own challenges, but we wanted to at least provide some ideas for those who are willing and able to help others at this time. This is just a short list to get you started. We believe that supporting one another will help everyone get through these trying times. We hope you and your families are safe and healthy.

If you have any further questions or would like support in finding other relief efforts, please feel free to reach out to us. We’d love to hear from you.

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