Take care of your community

Let’s commit to taking care of our communities, together. As COVID-19 cases spike across the country, there are simple, concrete steps you can take to look after your community.

Learn more below and pledge to be part of our  #OFCareChallenge (Opens in a new tab).

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 35 million people, including nearly 11 million children,  lived in food insecure households (Opens in a new tab). That number could rise to more than 50 million by the end of this year as people deal with unemployment, housing insecurity, lack of access to healthy foods, and other challenges related to the pandemic.

But you can help. Food banks across the world are in need of volunteers, due to increased demand and older volunteers staying safe and staying home. In a recent survey, 60 percent of food banks in  Feeding America’s (Opens in a new tab) network shared that they are in need of volunteers this holiday season.

If you want to help support people in your community, connect with local organizations (like food banks!) that will continue to address the  impacts of COVID-19 (Opens in a new tab) well into the new year.

Studies have also shown that volunteering is a predictor of  better mental and physical health (Opens in a new tab),  self-esteem (Opens in a new tab), and  happiness (Opens in a new tab) on an individual level as well. That’s a win for everyone!

Use the resources below to find ways to support your community this month and throughout the coming year.

Interested in assisting neighbors who are experiencing food insecurity meet their needs

Volunteer at your  local food bank (Opens in a new tab).

In Chicago?

Connect with our friends at the  Greater Chicago Food Depository (Opens in a new tab).

Looking for another way to advance the common good and make a difference in your community?

Search for  United Way (Opens in a new tab) volunteer opportunities.

Prefer to volunteer virtually?

Check out  Project Sunshine (Opens in a new tab) and make the world a brighter place for children facing medical challenges. There are several  remote volunteer opportunities (Opens in a new tab)!

Artwork by  Simone Noronha (Opens in a new tab).

Around the globe, communities have been responding to the COVID-19 pandemic by creating hyper-local “mutual aid” networks. Volunteers find out what neighbors need—like a prescription pick up, groceries, or PPE—and organize to provide that service. At a time of economic hardship for many, this is a way for community members to go beyond financial contributions and take care of people’s needs directly.

Check out this map to find your community mutual aid hub and volunteer to help (Opens in a new tab).

If there isn’t already a hub where you live, consider starting one yourself.  Here’s a guide from ioby (Opens in a new tab), an organization led by Obama Foundation Fellow  Erin Barnes, with steps to set up a simple mutual aid system where you live.

Artwork by  Martha A. Wade. (Opens in a new tab)

Black-owned businesses are experiencing huge losses this year due to the Coronavirus Pandemic and shutting down at alarming rates.  Studies show (Opens in a new tab) that African Americans have experienced the largest loss of business throughout the crisis, with some 41% of Black business owners shutting their doors.

Supporting Black-owned businesses can help close the racial wealth gap, create jobs, amplify Black voices, and strengthen communities.

You can ensure that your money has an even bigger impact in your community this holiday season by donating and shopping at Black-owned businesses and organizations.

Give Immediate Support:

Browse  GoFundMe (Opens in a new tab) to identify Black-owned businesses in your community that have been impacted by COVID-19 and may need help at this time.

Hold Major Retailers (and Yourself!) Accountable:

The 15 Percent Pledge (Opens in a new tab) calls on major retailers to commit 15 percent of their shelf-space to Black-owned businesses. Sign the petition and make a commitment to increase representation and diversify your consumption.

Need holiday gifts for friends and family?

Discover Black-owned businesses you can support in your city or state through  We Buy Black (Opens in a new tab),  Official Black Wall Street (Opens in a new tab), or  Support Black Owned (Opens in a new tab). If you’re in Chicago, the City has partnered with the Chicago Urban League to create  a list of Black-Owned businesses (Opens in a new tab) eager for your support.  Etsy (Opens in a new tab) also has a list of Black-owned shops where you can find one-of-a kind creations.

Artwork by  Liz Montague. (Opens in a new tab)

Our elderly neighbors, and others who face increased risks from COVID-19, may also be dealing with severe social isolation. A lack of social connection can lead to major health issues— it can be as bad for you as smoking. (Opens in a new tab)

During this holiday season, we encourage you to safely check in on your neighbors— especially seniors who might be more isolated than usual due to COVID-19.

Haven’t met your neighbors yet?

Print these door hangers (Opens in a new tab) and leave them a neighborly note on their doors. Let them know who you are and that you’re willing to help them with tasks like shoveling snow or shopping for groceries.

Want to check in by phone?

Many Meals on Wheels chapters have phone reassurance services, which allow volunteers to call homebound or quarantined seniors for check-ins and greetings.  Contact your local chapter (Opens in a new tab) to see if they offer this service or if there are other ways to volunteer.

Artwork by  Jacqueline Alcántara. (Opens in a new tab)

Care challenge art series in collaboration with  Godfrey Dadich Partners. (Opens in a new tab)