These Fundraisers Are Assisting Those Affected by Coronavirus — and They Need Your Help (Video)

In just a matter of days, the entire world turned upside down.

The coronavirus is now a pandemic, and both medical and political leaders around the globe are asking people to do what we must to stop its spread. And that includes completely shutting down our lives as we know it.

That means no more going out to restaurants to enjoy a meal with friends. No more going to in-person schools, and no more enjoying a night out at the movies. While that means there will be social consequences, it also means there will be very real financial consequences for many people too.

Luckily, people are also coming together to help those in need during this truly global crisis as well. Here are a few fundraisers happening right now that would more than welcome your help. At this time, every single dollar helps, so no giving is too small.

Feeding America

Feeding America is perhaps one of the most well-known charities in the nation, and pandemic or not is here to help the most vulnerable among us. And, as coronavirus continues to spread, it’s doubling down on its commitment to “serving communities and individuals facing hunger across America, wherever they are.”

It explained in an update, Farmacy will donate 10,000 meals a day for the next 30 days to Feeding America's COVID-19 Response Fund. And here’s where you come in: For each donation made to this fund, Farmacy will match the contribution.

Click here to donate

Pay Up Hollywood

Due to the coronavirus spread, movie and television productions have been halted. Though mega-celebrities don’t really need your help, lower-level workers like caterers, assistants, makeup artists, and more do. And Pay Up Hollywood is here to help.

“While unemployment benefits are being expedited, most support staff can't afford to pay rent and bills on the UEI max cap of $450/week,” the fundraiser explained. “The situation is worse for support staff who were hired as 1099 employees and do not qualify for unemployment — these employees will have no income during this crisis and currently have no way to access federal relief.”

Right now, the fundraiser has amassed nearly $200,000, which will go to directly assist those in need who apply and qualify for grants. But, again, every dollar helps, and more people can then find assistance.

Click here to donate

Bartender Emergency Assistance Program

Put bluntly, the restaurant and bar industry is facing an absolute crisis. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Food preparation and serving related occupations” make up about 5.3 percent of the entire U.S. workforce. And many are now out of a job. That’s why the USBG National Charity Foundation now has a Bartender Emergency Assistance Program.

With the program, eligible bartenders can apply for a philanthropic grant, which could help them get through these difficult times.

Click here to donate

One Fair Wage

One Fair Wage is assisting those who typically work in tip-driven jobs such as bartending, waitressing, and more. It too has set up a relief program but needs your donation dollars to keep going.

“We’re providing cash assistance to restaurant workers, car service drivers, delivery workers, personal service workers and more who need the money they aren’t getting to survive,” the team wrote. “Please help!”

Click here to donate

Cinema Workers Solidarity Fund

Though we may be enjoying more movies at home right now, cinema workers are out of a job. But, the Cinema Workers Solidarity Fund may help.

“As we come to terms with a health crisis that might mean long-term closures for New York City cinemas, we must meet the challenges ahead with mutual aid and solidarity,” the fundraising team wrote. “These closures have been necessary steps in the effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, but many hourly workers will be paying an immediate price for the well-being of our city.”

The team is focusing on raising money for New York City movie theater employees so that “we can provide quick, if modest, relief to those in our community, but encourage others to consider the needs of their own networks.”

Click here to donate