It goes without saying that the Coronavirus outbreak has drastically impacted our lives here in Hawaii and across the entire country. One day, we were enjoying sunny days under the palms and now our homes have become our refuge. Businesses have shuttered, beaches are empty and nonprofits are in need of help. If you want to get involved but aren’t sure how we’ve created this list of 10 Ways to Support Your Community During Covid 19.

We hope this helps you find ways that you can support the community in this time. Every little bit helps -- even just a kind gesture -- as we confront this unchartered territory.

1. Support Local Businesses

Photo by S O C I A L . C U T on Unsplash — Photo by S O C I A L . C U T on Unsplash

While many local businesses might not be physically open, there are ways that you can support remotely. For example, consider buying a gift card or making an online purchase. We’re all thinking about restaurants during this time (we’ll get to those in a second) but there are plenty of other industries that need help. Check out some Hawaii-based artists that rely on tourists to support their business or find a local fashion brand and buy something through their site. These mom-and-pop shops need support now more than ever.

2. Order Takeout and Delivery

Now onto restaurants. The hospitality industry has been one of the hardest hit by the pandemic. While restaurants have had to shut their doors to dine-in service, the ovens remain hot -- ready to cook up a meal for take-out or delivery. Did you know you can now even get cocktails to-go? The list of restaurants that remain open is constantly changing, but you can visit Food-A-Go-Go to find eateries that are offering take-out and delivery near you. Oh, and if you want Central Pacific Bank to split the bill with you, check out its Keep Hawaii Cooking program.

3. Foster a Pet

This is a win-win -- you’ll help a pet and they’ll give you all the cuddles and love. Animal shelters need your help now more than ever. Due to Covid 19 they’re unable to host adoption events which are critical to finding forever homes for our furry friends. By fostering an animal you’ll give it a safe home while it waits for its permanent family. One organization to check out is the Hawaiian Humane Society.

4. Donate Blood

The Covid 19 outbreak has forced organizations to cancel their blood drives meaning they have less opportunities to collect much-needed donations. If you’d like to donate you can do so by setting up an appointment with Blood Bank of Hawaii.

5. Buy masks Locally

On Oahu, you’re now required to wear a mask in most public spaces and if you’re looking for another way to support local businesses and individuals, buy masks made in Hawaii! Many island-based brands have started making fabric masks. Some that we’ve found include Island Slipper, ABC Store, and Ivy & Co (they have keiki sizes too). You can also check out Etsy!

6. Help Our Kupuna

The elderly are some of the most vulnerable when it comes to Covid 19. This high-risk group has a special set of needs and many don’t have family nearby to check-in. The organization, Our Kupuna, is looking to help by finding pairing kupuna over 60 with sponsors to call them weekly, deliver groceries and pick up medications. If you’d like to become a sponsor, you can learn more on Our Kupuna’s website. Another organization that is assisting the elderly in this time is Hawaii Meals on Wheels -- they home-deliver meals to people in need and are currently accepting donations.

7. Help Feed Frontline Workers

Our brave frontline workers -- from nurses to postal workers, EMTs to firefighters -- are showing up each day to help keep our economy running, country safe and communities healthy. If you’d like to help feed these individuals, you can make a monetary donation to Give Big Hawaii. The foundation teams up with local restaurants to provide the meals with a goal to donate 50 meals a week.

Photo by Fernando Gomez on Unsplash — Photo by Fernando Gomez on Unsplash

8. Volunteer Your Time

Bored in the house and want to offer some hands-on help? Some organizations are looking for volunteers. One of these is Hawaii Food Bank -- it is looking for warehouse volunteers to help fill the growing demand for food across the islands.

9. Donate Unused PPE

Do you have unused PPE (personal protective equipment) like masks, goggles and face shields? If so, you can donate it to frontline workers in need. Several nonprofits have teamed up to create three resilience hubs where you can drop off the unused equipment. These are located in Ewa Beach, Kaneohe and Kalihi.

10. Practice Aloha

Here in Hawaii, we pride ourselves on practicing aloha. Small acts of kindness can go a long way -- try reaching out to a neighbor or checking in on a loved one. Aloha means love and that’s something we could all use right now.