3 Easy Ways You Can Help Los Angeles get through the Coronavirus Pandemic

If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed right now, you’re not alone. The coronavirus pandemic is affecting everyone in Los Angeles. 

While many essential workers continue to serve on the front lines, many LA residents are sheltering in place and have spent weeks at home. And just maybe, you’re starting to go a little stir crazy. Channel that cabin fever into a force for good with one of these three volunteer opportunities.

It’s true – you can do even more than washing your hands and keeping your distance between others. With less people out and about, there is a greater need for those looking to donate their time. Of course, keep in mind your own personal health considerations before choosing to participate in one of these opportunities!

1) Give Blood

It makes sense that even regular donors have put a temporary pause on giving blood, given that donating requires close contact between people. But unfortunately, that makes our community’s need for blood even greater. 

Blood and platelet donations are urgently needed to support patients in Los Angeles hospitals and critical care facilities. Healthy donors can make an appointment with the American Red Cross at any number of Los Angeles locations. There is also extra need for patients who have fully recovered from COVID-19 to donate. 

There are several donation safety protocols in place on top of normal healthcare facility procedures. Some of these safeguards include conducting donor mini-physicals to ensure donors are healthy, following social distancing practices between donor beds, and enhanced disinfecting of equipment. 

2) Supporting Food Banks

With thousands of LA residents being out of work, our local food pantries are bare with long lines of people in need. Low-income citizens need our help now more than ever to put food on the table. 

Pop-up drive-thru food pantries have made it simple for in-need families to get the supplies they need safely. Unfortunately (and logically) volunteer activity has declined, making it difficult to serve the community efficiently. 

Volunteers are needed to staff food banks and pantries all across the Southern California area. The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank is providing regular updates to the public and has safeguards in place to protect volunteers and staff. 

3) Californians for All

On Tuesday April 21st, California Governor Gavin Newsom called for an “army of volunteers” in order to beat the coronavirus pandemic. The Californians for All initiative connects residents with a wide variety of volunteer opportunities. 

One of the best things about the program is that there are remote opportunities available. That means that you can donate your time right from your home, without needing to visit any location in-person. 

After you sign up on the website, you can choose the issues most important to you. Then, the platform will offer up opportunities that match your interests.

Californians for All is a great program for all Los Angeles residents, even if you have never volunteered for any organization before. The idea is to make a perfect match between volunteers and organizations that need help. 

Brody Pennell is Here to Serve Los Angeles During Coronavirus Pandemic

We know that this is a trying time – and particularly hard as you stay at home for a majority of your time. Brody Pennell continues to serve the Los Angeles community with essential HVAC services. We are taking multiple safety precautions to ensure the safety of both homeowners and our team members as we continue to provide necessary services. If we can help make your home more comfortable during this time, call us at (310) 810-2721.