Volunteering during a pandemic (10 Volunteering Ideas)

Hey, everyone! I hope that everything is going as well as it can be. I am still flooded with work and it feels like there is no end in sight. Volunteering seems so hard to do when I can barely do what my teachers demand of me. However, I have commitments to three different clubs (Key Club, National Honors Society, and Earth & Surf Club) this year, each requires volunteering. Usually, I am happy serving the community, but how are you supposed to serve the community when everyone is afraid of each other, with good reason (of course!). I used to always volunteer at soup kitchens feeding the homeless, but the organization put a hold on it. So, I have had to look at new ways to navigate around COVID-19. Here is what I came up with:

Making Masks: Masks have become a part of everyday life. So, creating them is a good way to give back. But if you decide to do this, you must make sure you sanitize them before donating them. Here is a link to the CDC's tutorial on making masks.

Chalk About It: This one I have already done for Earth & Surf Club, so there is a picture of me and my sister displayed above. The purpose of this event is to decorate any large (preferably public) area with inspirational or motivating messages/images that can be seen by people throughout the day. If you live in a subdivision or highly populated neighborhood, you can do your driveway or the sidewalk. If not, you can try to go to a public park or school (or anywhere you feel that you are allowed to). This idea is great for clubs, and members can post on social media and message them.

Food Drive: Food drives are a great opportunity to give back to the community, especially with Thanksgiving just around the corner. You can set up collection boxes around different areas and reach out to local organizations accepting donations.

Write letters to the nursing home: I have just started doing this and it feels so good to know that I am making another person's day. Reach out to a local nursing home to find penpals. It is a great opportunity, especially since nursing homes have limited visitors, so elders may feel more lonely.

Online Tutoring: Although online tutoring may be more difficult, it is still a nice chance to try and help others.

Thank You Videos for Teachers: Now, this is for students. Make Thank You Videos for Teachers. This year is harder than most, and they need more appreciation now more than ever.

Make Thank You Signs for Essential Workers (and place them near their workplace): Essential workers are out there every day risking their lives, so it is nice to show them a little appreciation.

Postcards for Mailmen: Mailmen are often overlooked, but they bring packages to us all the time. It is nice to show them that we care. So, placing an index card, thanking them is good!

Environmental Cleanups: Depending on where you live you might be able to do beach cleanups or cleanups in nature. If you look around, there is almost always trash from people littering. It might seem hopeless, but every piece of trash picked up can save an animal's life.

Online Campaigns: There are many ways to get active in the community online. There are vitural 5ks, online web browsers devoted to helping the planet (example: Ecosia & OceanHero), and there is even a website devoted to ending world hunger called FreeRice.com that is sponsored by the UN's World Food Programme. You could set a certain number of searches/questions equal to an hour.

If you are looking for more ways to give back carefully, then I recommend looking at virtual volunteering opportunities. I have always wanted to try volunteering with Khan Academy, but I have not got the chance yet. If you are interested in it, here is a link with more information.

**If you have any more ideas you would like to add, I am always looking for more volunteer opportunities. Thank you & have an awesome day!**