By Vanessa Saunders, MBA, MIMC , Broker Owner, Global Property Systems Real Estate.

"What can I do to help? "

We’ve heard that phrase a lot lately. It seems to come naturally from people as we are bombarded with news about the devastating effects of the Coronavirus that is ravaging every nation in the world. But along with observing social distancing rules and pandemic-safe practices, is there actually anything you can do?

Actually, there is.

The daily Morning Brew newsletter I subscribe to recently listed a wide variety of places you can donate your time, support and/or money to during the pandemic.

The options in the article vary widely. Some are  massive projects like the CDC’s Covid-19 Solidarity Response Fund which has already raised $236 million in donations from 633,000 donors, companies and philanthropic groups, or the Gates Foundation which targets the development of therapeutics to defend against the virus. Numerous major charities are mentioned, the Ronald McDonald House, Global Giving’s Relief Fund and a whole list of charities active on Twitch, with direct links to their websites.

Don’t feel like cash is your style? You can volunteer to help feed the hungry with #chefsforamerica, Jose Andre’s project to feed the people who need it most. Or link up with Humanity First to cook, deliver meds and more.

The list includes local as well as national groups looking for your help. Support schools and remote learning by giving away laptop computers for young learners. The charity, called Comp-U-Dopt has established drive-thru stations which observe social distancing protocols but allow families to come by one of their warehouses and have a computer placed in their cars to take home. The computer is free, theirs forever, and it comes with a productivity suite, and two-years of tech support.

Give back to medical workers and hospitals through UNICEF which supplies hygiene materials for underserved communities. Or shop on smile.amazon.com instead of the main site and have a portion of your purchase set aside for Covid-19 support.

Looking for something to do in your area? You can help at local non-profits or work at Food Bank NYC in New York. You can stuff grocery bags for Lifelong.org in Seattle, or be a mobile pantry driver in Minneapolis.

If you’re a business, you can become a giving partner with Bombas, or donate food to Chef Jose Andres’ DC Central kitchen. There is a round-up of corporate goodwill efforts your firm can join to inspire your entire company.

Rather than list each and every opportunity here, enclosed is the link to the Morning Brew website which contains info and links to these and many other places you can help to make a difference, however large or small, in this pandemic time.