It's been just a bit over a month since I started self-isolating, and like everyone else, I have been watching the positive and negative impacts of this outbreak unfold every day. I'm sure many of you have been feeling both anxious and antsy during this time like I am.
I keep thinking about how fortunate I am to be able to work from home and about the people who have been impacted by the job losses, lack in accessibility to childcare, and healthcare concerns of essential workers, so I've been brainstorming the ways I can help out with the fight against coronavirus and support those on the frontlines and those in need. You've come to the right place if you're looking for ideas on how to pitch in!
LOCAL SERVICE INDUSTRY
I remember the ban on in-person dining for all New York bars and restaurants that went into effect on March 16 to help mitigate the coronavirus spread throughout the state when I was still in the city. Many small businesses and the staff members were affected as they are unable to work from home and are losing their hourly wages and tips. A couple of great ways to support the local service industry are by (of course, the easiest!) ordering in, buying gift cards and/or certificates, or donating!
ORDER IN
Restaurants are still allowed to continue with carry-out and delivery operations, and many online food ordering and delivery platforms such as Caviar, DoorDash, Grubhub, Postmates, and Uber Eats are temporarily waiving delivery fees. Most of the delivery services are also offering "contact-free" delivery where they leave your food in a safe place designated by you such as your building lobby, and you will be notified when it has arrived.
GIFT CARDS & CERTIFICATES
Buying gift cards and/or certificates online from locally-owned businesses not only helps your favorite spots have some source of revenue during this time but also gives you something to look forward to when stay-at-home orders are lifted.
Supportrestaurants.org is an organization that started Dining Bonds, a global initiative that allows diners to connect directly with restaurants to provide funds that can help them stay afloat. A Dining Bond is essentially a gift card/voucher/certificate that is sold at a price lower than face value but redeemable at face value upon dining at the restaurant when it reopens.
DONATE
I haven't really had any significant entertainment expenditures since self-isolation started, so putting the money I would have spent on tips when eating out or going out to bars towards GoFundMe campaigns or other donation-based services for restaurants and bars is a great way to give back. Check out the list below for my favorite NYC spots and how we can assist them:
ARTECHOUSE
ARTECHOUSE is an innovative digital art space beneath Chelsea Market with interactive and immersive art exhibitions dedicated to 21st century artists and audience. I felt like I was experiencing vertigo for a bit when I went and would not recommend for anyone who is prone to seizures, but overall, it's a cool, unique experience combining art and technology. Their doors are temporarily closed, but you can purchase passes to support them, and 10% of all ticket proceeds will be donated to World Central Kitchen, a non-profit devoted to providing nutritious meals to those in need.
Bowery Ballroom
The Bowery Ballroom in the Lower East Side is a live-music venue that was awarded #1 Best Club in America by Rolling Stone magazine and also where I saw Sara Bareilles with some college friends my first year in the city. It holds something of a cult status with musicians and audiences, so please consider donating to their GoFundMe to support their staff.
LPR ((Le) Poisson Rouge)
LPR is a music venue and multimedia art cabaret in the West Village that was founded by musicians in 2008 and a fun spot that I've gone out to with my friends in NYC. They are currently asking for those who have the means to to hold onto their ticket for a rescheduled show rather than asking for a refund. You can contribute via GoFundMe (for a drink ticket which you can use when they reopen), PayPal, or Venmo or sign up for a membership on Patreon.
DONATING TO NONPROFITS
There are many charities battling the coronavirus crisis that already existed long before COVID-19 and ones that sprung up as people are identifying new needs that they can help to resolve. If you are in a financial position to do so, you should consider making a donation to organizations that are working to fight the pandemic. If you are unable to make any charitable contributions during this time, you can always volunteer your time, keeping safety in mind.
American Red Cross
The American Red Cross is facing a blood shortage due to the cancellation of blood drives. You can make blood donations through an appointment or by calling call 1-800-RED-CROSS to find a local donation site.
Food Bank New York
Food Bank New York has been working to provide hunger relief for over 35 years in the city, and they warehouse and distribute free food for over 1.5 million New Yorkers each year. They are continuing to provide meals to New Yorkers in need and have expanded their operations to include providing meals and hygiene products to 30,000 healthcare workers across 11 different hospitals in the city.
Make the Road New York
Make the Road New York is the largest progressive grassroots immigrant-led organization in New York, fighting for the rights of marginalized and vulnerable immigrant communities. Check out their bilingual resources and trainings that are keeping people informed, and contribute to the emergency response fund.
Service Worker's Coalition
Consider donating money, resources, and/or time to the Service Worker's Coalition to help service workers across Brooklyn who are staying home because they are sick or quarantined. You can help by volunteering to bike, drive, or walk groceries to people who are unable to leave their homes or donating to their Venmo account. Email serviceworkerscoalition@gmail.com if you or someone you know is stuck at home and needs their help or to find out how you can help.
BE EMPATHETIC & SHARE INFORMATION
Some people are unsure of what they can do as individuals to help, and some of the problems created by COVID-19 are just too big for any one individual or small group of people to tackle. It is important to take time for yourself to battle any anxiety you may have and also realize that you won't be able to solve all the issues resulting from the pandemic, but you can do your part by sharing information, advocating for individuals and organizations that need our help, and engaging friends in conversations about how you are all coping during this time. Seeing positive examples of how people are helping those in their networks will inspire them to take action as well.
Remember, we're all in this together, so let's be kind to one another! We can still support each other during a crisis that requires us to maintain physical distance from others in our community.
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