Serve Your Community

Americans are uniting to help each other during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Be sure to follow CDC guidelines for how to slow the spread of the disease, and consider these simple ways every American can help their neighbors, friends, and families.

  1. Donate to Nonprofits 
    Cash donations are the best way to support the nonprofit of your choice. The National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD) has a list of organizations supporting COVID-19 response efforts. Guidestar and Great Nonprofits also have search engines to locate organizations that need help.
     
  2. Donate or Volunteer Safely with Food Banks and Pantries 
    Donate to food banks and pantries to help them stock up or volunteer at a food bank that needs help packing and sorting food using safe practices. Visit Feeding America or Food Pantries to find an organization near you.
     
  3. Deliver Meals and Groceries to Vulnerable Seniors 
    Help out someone you know or contact your local Meals on Wheels to learn ways to volunteer. 
     
  4. Help a School 
    Check with your area school system to see if they need volunteers to distribute food (or other items) to children and families in need. 
     
  5. Give Blood  
    Blood donations have decreased dramatically. Help fill the need by contacting your local Red Cross or other blood donation sites.
     
  6. Become a Medical Volunteer 
    Trained medical volunteers can offer their services by registering with a National VOAD member. Medical professionals and others can help locally by joining the Medical Reserve Corps or registering through the Emergency System for the Advance Registration of Volunteer Health Professionals.
     
  7. Donate Medical Supplies and Equipment 
    If you have medical supplies or equipment to donate, please email FEMA’s National Business Emergency Operations Center at nbeoc@fema.dhs.gov
     
  8. Stay in Touch 
    Check on your neighbors, friends, and family – especially those who are older or may be alone. A phone call, text, or a conversation through the door could brighten their day. 
     
  9. Serve in Your Community 
    Many states are identifying local volunteer opportunities; visit your State Service Commission’s website for details.
     
  10. Volunteer from Home 
    Prefer to volunteer while staying at home? Check out AllForGood.org for service ideas.

For more information on COVID-19, visit Coronavirus.gov, Centers for Disease Control, Government Response to Coronavirus (COVID-19) USA.gov/coronavirus, and FEMA Coronavirus Rumor Control.

Download and Share 10 Ways to Safely Help Your Community During the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic Graphics.

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Visit NationalService.gov/Coronavirus for Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information for CNCS Grantees, Sponsors, Members, and Volunteers.



 

When Social Distancing Ends
More Ways to Connect with Your Community

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