Mental Health – Mental health has never been more important, or needed, than right now. The Center for Disease Control notes that everyone reacts to stress differently and that the stress we are experiencing can lead to fear and worry, lack of sleep and worsening of chronic health problems among many. The popular online therapy support company Talkspace is giving away 1,000 months of free online therapy to healthcare workers across the U.S. with a free month of the Talkspace unlimited messaging plan, which gives them access to unlimited text, video, and audio messaging with a licensed therapist. The next time you dial up some online therapy you will feel better knowing that your own mental wellbeing is supporting a company making therapy accessible and convenient for our frontline workers.
Virtual Connections – Connecting with loved ones is very difficult during a pandemic, yet one of the upsides to safe and healthy distancing is the ability to connect with those we care about in new unique ways. In an interview with Dr. Cathleen Colon-Emeric, chief of the Division of Geriatrics at Duke School of Medicine, recommends different ways to visit virtually, “set up a video chat time every night. Try games and apps where you can interact virtually, like Words with Friends.” Online gourmet bakery BakeMeAWish.com is connecting families through their wide selection of gourmet baked goods, while at the same time contributing to help keep our seniors safe. 5% of all purchases on BakeMeAWish.com sales will be donated to the Meals on Wheels COVID-19 Response Fund to help ensure that seniors will receive the services they need.
Foster Fur Parenting – The Human Society states on their website that the CDC and the World Organisation for Animal Health have issued advisories saying there is no evidence at this time that companion animals can spread the COVID-19 virus to people. However, since nearly all animal shelters across the country are dependent on volunteers, the number of volunteers has decreased due to the new social distancing guidelines. With fewer humans able to provide care in animal shelters and other volunteer organizations, many have stepped up to foster our fur babies. Smalls is a company that provides customized health food plans for your cat, taking into account age, weight, build, personality, and eating habits to provide the healthiest and most balanced diet with homemade ingredients. Smalls is giving 30-days of customized healthy nutrition, care, and playtime products to families who are fostering cats during the pandemic.
Never Go Hungry – According to Feeding America, more than 37 million people in the United States struggle with hunger. The National Alliance to End Homelessness states that low income households often do not earn enough to pay for food, clothing, transportation, or a place to call home. With our current pandemic there are urgent disruptions in job security, school closures and the posed health risks that come from this, which means that more people are turning to food banks for support each day. Billie, a beauty company with only good, clean ingredients is donating $100,000 to local food banks across America who are working to serve the needs of those affected by the coronavirus outbreak.
Healthcare Volunteers – Lifesaving blood, safe shelter and hot meals are just a few of the ways in which The Red Cross serves us each day. At the frontline of finding a cure or treatment for COVID-19, the Red Cross is actively seeking those who are fully recovered from COVID-19 who may be eligible to donate plasma to help current patients. With 95% of all Red Cross disaster relief workers as volunteers, this is the frontline that needs us the most. Cookware company Sardel is donating 5% of all revenue to the Red Cross during the pandemic.
This article was written by Pippa Rodriguez