As gappers we are committed to doing great for each other, our clients, and our community. As of March 17, 2020, our company has gone fully remote in order to do our part to flatten the curve and keep our colleagues, families, and community safe while continuing into the unknown.
While most of gap intelligence’s philanthropic events tend to take place outside the confines of our own homes (Holiday Toy Drive, Blood Drives, Annual Drives for Rides Golf Tournament), even with shelter in place orders, gappers are still looking for ways to do great for our community.
Volunteering can have a positive impact on your stress levels, something we could all probably use right about now, but you may feel like volunteering is something you just can’t do right now. Well, I am happy to report that there are ways to volunteer your time, talent, and treasure that don’t require leaving your couch. I put together some of my favorite ways to Do Great during COVID-19.
Donating Your Time & Talent
1. Catchafire | https://www.catchafire.org/
This is a volunteer search tool specifically designed to connect you with virtual volunteer projects. Projects can range from just donating an hour of your time to several weeks. Pick a commitment that is best for you to support nonprofit organizations with items ranging from writing thank you letters to image editing.
2. Smithsonian Digital Volunteers | https://www.si.edu/volunteer/DigitalVolunteers
The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum, education, and research entity. Geek out on history and lend your talents by transcribing historical documents, or help edit Wiki articles related to their artifacts to make their collections more accessible.
3. Translators Without Borders | https://translatorswithoutborders.org/volunteer/
Gifted linguist? Check out Translators Without Borders. This nonprofit combines your language skills with providing humanitarian aid. Volunteers provide translations to assist international organizations that focus on crisis relief, health, and education. Not multilingual but want to get involved? They can also use help with project management, graphic or web page design, and fundraising.
4. Crisis Text Line | https://www.crisistextline.org/become-a-volunteer/
Want to connect with a person in need? Consider volunteering with the Crisis Text Line. They offer free 24/7 support for those in crisis. You must be 18 or older, commit to at least 4 hours a week, and training is available for free!
5. Leave a Positive Review
That’s right! Take some time to leave positive reviews for your favorite local businesses, restaurants, bars, gyms, etc! And be on the lookout for a partnership between Yelp and GoFundMe that allows you to make donations to your favorite small businesses directly on a business’ Yelp page!
Tight on Time? Consider Donating Your Treasure $$$
1. Feed the Front Lines
Right now all hospital staff (doctors, nurses, janitors, and security guards etc) are on the frontlines trying to fight this pandemic. Contact your local hospital, grocery store, fire or police department and see if they would be willing to accept a delivery of a few pizzas, coffee, etc. Or consider putting out a box of goodies near your door next to your front door with a message thanking delivery people and encouraging them to help themselves.
2. Pay it Forward
Do you have a local restaurant or coffee shop that you enjoy visiting? Give them a call and ask if they have a “pay it forward meal” that allows you to pay for someone else’s meal. Something that allows you to support a place you love and sponsor a meal for someone who might no longer have an income.
3. Get Your Swag!
Buy a Social Distancing Hat. All proceeds from hat sales go directly to Meals on Wheels, bringing food to elderly without them having to leave their homes. In the market for something more your style? Take a look at your local gyms, restaurants, bars or clubs and see if they have merch for sale on their websites. Show your support financially and when you call into those virtual meetings.
4. Donate Your Public Transportation Pass
If you are self isolating but already have purchased your unlimited or multi-ride pass for local public transportation, consider donating it to someone who HAS to get into work each day. Health care professionals, first responders, and grocery store workers are on the front lines of fighting this disease. A free ride could do wonders for their morale right now!
5. Help a Furry Friend in Need Too!
If you have a surplus of unneeded pet supplies at home, the Humane Society recommends calling local animal shelters to find out if they’re accepting donations. Bonus points: feeling a little lonely at home? Consider fostering a friend to bunker down with! If you are in the San Diego area, I totally recommend you check out The Animal Pad.
Lastly, reach out to your family and friends, check on your neighbors. We are all in this together.
Do you have what it take to be a gapper? We’re hiring. Head to our culture section to learn more about open positions. We’re conducting phone interviews as we work towards flattening the curve. Stay safe and healthy. We’re all in this together.
