7 ways to give back during the pandemic

From mask collections to virtual food drives to blood donations by appointment, there are plenty of ways to help

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With blood drives on campus cancelled, the San Diego Blood Bank is one local organization in need of support during the pandemic. City Times file image

Uyen Pham, Staff Writer

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, many in San Diego County and other places are in need of support. Here are some local resources that could use your help:

UC San Diego Health COVID-19 Emergency Response

UC San Diego Health is in need of as much help as they can get. You can drop by and donate protective medical equipment, cash, groceries and food for the caregivers at the center. Find more information on how to donate here.

San Diego Food Bank

The Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank and North County Food Bank chapter promised to provide food assistance to those who were affected by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). You can help them meet their goals by volunteering or by donating via mail, online, or through their virtual food drive. For every $1 you donate, the Food Bank can offer up to five meals. Sign up here and donate.

 San Diego Blood Bank

The San Diego Blood Bank remains open for those who are willing to help. If qualified, you can donate by making an appointment to get your blood drawn at six donor centers in San Diego County. Or you can simply donate money online. Make an appointment and lend a hand here.

San Diego COVID-19 Community Response Fund

The San Diego COVID-19 Community Response Fund accepts any help they can get allowing them to make emergency grants and interest-free loans to nonprofits that are helping combat the pandemic. They provide San Diego’s most vulnerable communities with assistance, such as food security, other essential living expenses, emergent needs, as well as rent and utility payment support. Read more here.

The fund is administered by The San Diego Foundation in collaboration with County Board of Supervisor Nathan Fletcher, the co-chair of the County’s COVID-19 subcommittee.

Foundation for California Community Colleges’ Relief and Recovery Campaign

California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office in collaboration with the Foundation for California Community Colleges has created a statewide emergency response campaign for community college students, families, and communities impacted by COVID-19. Donate here.

United Ways of San Diego County’s COVID-19 Response: Support the San Diego Worker Assistance Initiative

United Ways of San Diego County has launched a response initiative to support low-wage workers and their families whose incomes have been negatively impacted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Help by donating funds here.

ElderHelp of San Diego

ElderHelp of San Diego is a non-profit organization that supports and improves seniors’ lives and their families. During the COVID-19 pandemic, ElderHelp is dedicated to those who are isolated or homebound with limited access to food, medical services, and family support. Contribute here.

To learn more about the COVID-19 pandemic, visit the CDC’s website.