How You Can Help Victims of the Coronavirus Pandemic – The New York Times

The coronavirus that started in Wuhan, China, late last year has spread to at least 154 countries and killed thousands.

Some countries and regions have been hit harder than others. In many areas, daily life has come to a halt, local economies have unraveled, and medical facilities are coping with a shortage of crucial supplies.

Many charities and organizations are helping those affected by the pandemic. Here is what you can do to support them.

Charity Navigator, which evaluates charities using a numbers-based system, has a running list of nonprofits working in communities affected by the outbreak. There are organizations that focus on medical services, relief supplies and more.

GlobalGiving is a large global crowdfunding community that connects nonprofits, donors and companies. It has set a goal of reaching $5 million in donations. Money received will go toward sending emergency medical workers to communities in need, providing medical supplies to hospitals and helping deliver essentials to families.

Relief International, which operates in 16 countries throughout Africa, the Middle East and Asia, has focused some of its efforts on helping Iran, where more than 20,000 infections and at least 1,500 deaths have been reported.

The group has so far provided more than 50,000 pieces of medical protective gear, including 24,000 masks and 5,000 pairs of goggles, as well as 40,000 kits to test for the coronavirus; 85 percent of all donated funds go directly to its programs.

Heart to Heart International is distributing urgently needed equipment and medication to its partners around the world. Medical supplies are also being delivered to providers on the front lines.

Those seeking to give something other than money can look to the American Red Cross. There is a severe blood shortage because of a high number of blood drive cancellations during the outbreak, it said. Healthy donors are urged to give blood, platelets or AB plasma.

World Central Kitchen has stepped in to distribute meals to children and others in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Little Rock, Ark., after many schools closed. Beginning Monday, it will give food to families in Los Angeles, where schools are also closed.

Feeding America is the nations largest domestic hunger-relief organization, with a network of 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries across the country. Its COVID-19 Response fund will help food banks across the country.

UNICEF is providing hygiene and medical kits to schools and health clinics.

Save the Children has partnered with No Kid Hungry to make sure schools and community programs have the support they need to keep children fed during the pandemic.

First Book has the goal of delivering seven million books to children in the United States who do not have internet access or home libraries so they can continue learning while schools are closed.

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How You Can Help Victims of the Coronavirus Pandemic - The New York Times