Ways to Love your Neighbor during Covid-19
You’re washing your hands. You’re avoiding large gatherings. But, in addition to taking all the steps to follow crucial safety guidelines for yourself and your family, what can you do to help the individuals and communities affected by the COVID-19 pandemic?
Here's a great article by Elaine Martyn of Fidelity Charitable Division:
Three Ways You Can Help During the COVID-19 Pandemic by Elaine Martyn
1. Donate to nonprofits helping to respond to COVID-19—and your other favorite causes as well.
The problem: COVID-19 is creating new needs, while putting enormous financial pressure on all nonprofits. From medical and public health needs related to the response to economic uncertainty impacting vulnerable populations, the COVID-19 pandemic is creating unmet needs above and beyond the usual. The nonprofits working directly to meet those needs require more resources to do so. At the same time—all nonprofits are feeling the pressure, even if they aren’t directly responding to the crisis. The economic uncertainty caused by the pandemic may cause many donors to dial back. Many nonprofits are also having to cancel many of their usual programs and fundraising events out of concern for public safety. Most nonprofits have limited financial reserves to carry them through lean times ahead, putting them in a difficult spot.
What you can do: If you are in a financial position to do so, you should consider making a donation to directly help combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Donors can make the greatest difference by supporting medical needs in the United States and internationally as well as by supporting organizations that are serving vulnerable populations who will be most affected by the virus’ spread and the associated economic impact. But all nonprofits you care about will need your financial support in this time; sustaining your support at your usual levels or increasing it will help these organizations get through the crisis and continue their important work. Additionally, donors can support a variety of organizations that exist to serve the nonprofit community with resources, such as providing marketing or fundraising support, leadership training and more. Nonprofits need their committed supporters in these times.
2. Volunteer for organizations that are providing critical services in your community.
The problem: Due to health and safety considerations, many regular volunteers, particularly those who are at higher risk due to age or medical conditions, will need to restrict their usual commitments in the coming weeks and months. This will leave nonprofits who depend on these volunteer resources shorthanded in delivering critical services. At the same time, needs will continue to rise as COVID-19 spreads—for example, demand will likely increase for food pantries and other services, also increasing the need for volunteer time to deliver.
What you can do: Reach out to local charities and ask how you can best support them with your time, keeping safety in mind. You can also search online for volunteer opportunities in your area. Helpful things that you can do safely from home in support of a nonprofit’s mission could include everything from assisting with grantwriting or serving as a crisis counselor on a hotline service. Nonprofits are also making adjustments to help keep volunteers safe—for example, meal delivery services for the elderly may move to a system of leaving a meal on a doorstep instead of bringing it inside. Yet they may still not have enough volunteers to meet all the need, and you could fill an important gap if you were able to safely take on some of those necessary tasks.
3. Your voice is powerful—use it to advocate for the individuals and organizations that need our help.
The problem: People are worried, but not sure what they can do as individuals to help. Additionally, the problems created by COVID-19 are too big for any one individual or group to tackle, and needs will vary widely by community.
What you can do: Share information with your friends and network on social media, in conversations about how you are coping during this time and via email. Be a voice for how people can help each other in this time of social distancing, while staying safe. As you learn about how people are being affected and what the needs are, share that information—and tell people what you are doing to make a difference. Remind people to keep supporting the charities they care about. Share local volunteer opportunities and guidance about where people can give to help those impacted. Seeing your example will help those in your network to realize that they can take action too. Even during a crisis that requires us to keep our distance from others in our community, we can support each other throughout. Speaking up for the needs that exist and sharing how you are helping can inspire others to action as well.
One Non-Profit Organization with a Heart for Memphis that could really use some help right now is the Ronnie Tullos Evangelistic Association (RTEA)
Led by our good friend Ronnie Tullos, who has been loving on Memphis through street ministries and inner city outreach for over 30 years. Let me encourage you to join me in supporting this ministry. Reach out to Ronnie and see how you can join them in loving the heart of Memphis as a volunteer or through a donation.
You can find out more about this ministry by clicking on the links below.
Find out how you can Volunteer or Donate Today!
Ministries include:
Inner-City Outreach Center
Life Source Bible Study
Miracle Baptist Church
Promised Land Camp
Donate Now
Ronnie Tullos: CEO and Pastor of Miracle Baptist Church ( 901)483-3402
Email address: rlt25@rtea.net
Mrs. Beth McDaniel: Ministry Relations/Events/Volunteer Coordinator – (901)355-9165 Email: bethmcdaniel633@gmail.com
Luke Tullos: Director, ICOC – luke@rtea.net
Please send all correspondence and donations to: RTEA P.O.Box 225, Ellendale, TN 38029
Although we are not able to meet in person, if you need to contact us we are available by phone. We are praying for all of our friends & family and that includes you, remember you are not alone! During this time if there is any specific need you have, please call us (901-763-2825) and let us know how we may pray for you and your family.
God Bless, The John Roebuck Auctions Team
