For those of you feeling helpless amidst the coronavirus pandemic, here are 10 things you can do to help out! Let’s face it, we are living in unprecedented times. Watching the news, it’s completely normal to feel depressed, scared, and sad. If you’re not a medical professional or government official, you may think there’s nothing you can do to help. Not true! Here’s what you can do to play your part in preventing the spread of coronavirus while lifting spirits!
STAY HOME. PERIOD.
You’re hearing it on the news, seeing it on Instagram, and now––reading it in this article. It’s serious, folks! If you’re not going on an essential errand, do yourself (and the world) a favor and self-quarantine. We’re literally asking you to stay in bed and watch Disney+, it’s not that hard! Bored? Here’s a list of 10 Self-Care Activities to do at Home During the Coronavirus Quarantine.
Shop Mindfully
Believe us, we’re all about vegan eats––but some people are taking the phrase “stock up” to a new level! Although getting enough food is important, the amount of overbuying and hoarding that is taking place prevents people from getting their essentials. Save some food, hand sanitizer, and—for the love of all-things vegan––TOILET PAPER for the others in your community. Instead, take the time to support small businesses that deliver, here’s a few recommendations!
Pick-Up Essentials for Your At-Risk Family and Friends
Call yo’ granny and get her grocery list, because she needs to stay home more than you do! Reach out to your network and see if there’s anyone needing extra support. Elderly, immuno-compromised, disabled, pregnant, and low-income folks could use help getting the items they need to stay safe and healthy this season. When delivering their items, please remember to keep your distance and sanitize.
Support Local Vegan Restaurants
Need a way to support local restaurants since the recent closures in major cities including Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago? Beyond ordering food for pickup or delivery, you can purchase a gift card from your favorite vegan spots to redeem later! This way, you can help out the company and staff while staying home. And in a few months, you’ll be ecstatic to redeem that gift card you forgot you bought! Additionally, Plant Power Fast Food has a new t-shirt design available for pre-order. 100% of the proceeds will go to the team members at the location of your choice. Low on funds? Leave good reviews for your most-loved businesses on Yelp or Google.
Foster or Adopt an Animal
With all the craze of the COVID-19 outbreak, animal shelters and rescues are seeing overwhelmingly high intake numbers with almost no adoptions––and some shelters are even closing. If you are experienced with animals and have the means to care for a furry friend, please consider fostering or adopting. This doesn’t only apply to dogs and cats, there are even bunnies in need! Please note: with areas under stricter orders to stay at home, some shelters and rescues are unable to allow new fosters or adopt out animals. If that applies to your city (or you’re unable to foster/adopt), please contact a local animal rescue and see what else you can do to help. Send them something off their Amazon wishlist, ship them food or toys, or send a monetary donation to help keep their animals safe and healthy!
For Los Angeles locals, reach out to Hit Living Foundation, Alley Cat Rescue, Bunny World Foundation, or other nearby animal rescues.
Support Small Businesses
Avoid large grocery stores, do some online shopping, and support local businesses all-in-one! From food and snacks to clothes, beauty products, and even vegan soap, you can find just about anything to order online while helping keep your favorite brands afloat.
Gift Friends With Free Copies of VegOut LA or VegOut NYC Magazine
This is not a drill! We are helping you stay busy while in quarantine by giving out free copies of VegOut LA and VegOut NYC magazines––just pay $3 for shipping.
Donate Blood
We have one exception to our rule of staying home. If you are healthy and able, please consider donating blood to help support patients who need it. Hospitals are filling up, but the American Red Cross is experiencing a drastic amount of blood drive cancellations. There are special precautions in place to safely collect blood including temperature checks, enhanced disinfecting, and spacing out beds to follow social distancing guidelines.
Practice Acts of Kindness
Now is a great time to spread kindness with those around you! Even at a distance, you can send someone love. How? Venmo a friend, send vegan desserts to a family member, donate to a local organization, and thank every medical professional, grocery store employee, and Postmates deliverer––because they are working hard to keep us going!
Share Helpful VegOut Articles
Amidst the chaos, we are trying to help you all stay safe, healthy, and well-fed. We’ve crafted numerous articles that could be helpful for others! Get the inside scoop on things like Meal Delivery Services, Restaurants on Postmates, Discounts and Deals, Store-Bought Vegan Mac & Cheese, and then share them with your friends and family!
RELATED: 10 Self-Care Activities to Do At Home During the Coronavirus Quarantine
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