Dedicated to Giving

With jobless claims now exceeding 16 million as shutdowns from the coronavirus pandemic widen and problems with getting benefits persist, I wanted to find ways to contribute to those that are so much in need.

I am dedicated to giving, at a very minimum, 10% of my proceeds every month to various charities, and will continue to do so even after the pandemic is over. There are so many now losing jobs and losing hope, there has to be a way to come together and find the places where we can begin helping our fellow human beings.

Three additional ways you may be able to help during this crisis is:

Donate or Volunteer for organizations that are providing critical services in your area:

• 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. (source: https://www.fidelitycharitable.org)

Your voice is powerful -- use it to advocate for the individuals and organizations that need our help:

• 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. (source: https://www.fidelitycharitable.org)

Help pets and shelters:

• Local animal shelters and rescue groups across the country are reducing services and canceling fundraisers to protect staff but still need to care for their animals. The Humane Society of the United States suggests helping by adopting or fostering a pet, which will reduce the strain on shelters. The Best Friends Animal Society has a site where you can search for partner organizations near you.  Some shelters also offer pet support services for low-wage families who may not be able to afford caring for their pet. Check with your local shelter to see if there are ways you can donate or help.  The Humane Rescue Alliance suggests checking in with people in your community, especially seniors or those with underlying health issues, and offering to walk their dogs or help with pet food. (source: https://www.washingtonpost.com)

If you have found other great ways to help during this time, please add what you have done or found to do below in the comments. We would love to hear about them and hopefully inspire others too.

If you can't wait until this pandemic is over, stand closer than 6 feet to your friends, or just want to enjoy some clean crafted wine during your quiet time this afternoon, pick out your favorite selection from the Wine Shop, and know you are helping others throughout this trying time.

God Bless

Partners in Wine,

LadyM