Giving Back to Your Community

2020 has been a challenging year full of change and uncertainty for many people. Everyone could use a little kindness and support right now, and if you’d like to be part of giving back to your community, here are 4 helpful ways:

Donate Blood

Did you know that one pint of blood can save up to three lives? Donating blood helps people in the San Diego community who have been in an accident, are battling life-threatening illnesses, or suffering complications from childbirth. While donating blood is a kind thing to do, donors also benefit from a mini-health screening with each visit  — the San Diego Blood Bank will provide information about your blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and cholesterol. They also recently began testing for COVID antibodies. Click here to make an appointment at a donation center near you

Start a Free Library

You may have noticed these pop up in people’s yards — there are probably a few in your neighborhood! Simply install one in your front yard or along the sidewalk where people can easily access it. You can buy a case to use as your library, or if you like woodworking and craft projects, build your own! Get it started with a few books, and encourage friends and neighbors to contribute as well. A free library is a great way to share books with people in your area who may not be able to make use of the public library, especially during the pandemic. Once your library is running, you can register it with the Little Free Library organization to add it to the world map! 

Neighborhood Trash Clean-Up

Picking up trash around the streets of your neighborhood is a kindness that benefits your local community. Whether you do it solo, with your family, or with neighbors, it’s an inexpensive outdoor activity that makes a big difference! All you need are gloves, plastic bags (you may want one for trash and one for recyclables), sunscreen, and your mask and hand sanitizer!

Volunteer to Help the Food Bank or Deliver Meals 

The impact of the pandemic has increased the number of San Diego families who are food insecure. While COVID-19 safety precautions limit the number of volunteers who can help in person, Feeding San Diego can use your help by providing a donation of money or food, spreading the word, or hosting a virtual fundraiser on their behalf. 

Meals on Wheels is an organization that provides meals to seniors and veterans in San Diego County. Seniors are a high-risk group for contracting COVID, and many who live alone have difficulty obtaining groceries. For some homebound seniors, their Meals on Wheels driver may be the only person they see that day! Volunteering to deliver meals and check-in on seniors with a friendly greeting is a way to make a huge difference for a hungry neighbor. Click here to visit their site for more information. 

Looking for more volunteer opportunities in San Diego? While each volunteer organization may have different needs and procedures right now due to the pandemic, here are 10 Places to Volunteer in San Diego.

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