As the new coronavirus continues to change everyday life, it’s important to remember those in our communities still need our support. With non-essential businesses ordered to close and restaurants restricted to take-out and delivery, it’s important to remember our local establishments might be suffering. Healthcare workers also need our support as important supplies like masks and gloves continue to run on low supply. Here are some ways you can help your community right now. And many are from the comfort of your own home.

Order online and take-out

Many local businesses are still taking orders. Support your favorite local restaurants and shopping spots by ordering dinner to-go or placing an online order. Check Delaware Today’s resources of restaurants offering take-out and delivery, and search around for local boutiques and shops taking online orders. Some retail therapy and a meal cooked by one of your favorite eateries is always good for the soul.

Donate to relief funds

Every dollar counts, so find a cause that’s important to you and donate. The Delaware Restaurant Association recently announced that through its 501(c)(3) Education Foundation it created Emergency Action Trust (E.A.T.s). to help support restaurant workers recently laid off due to COVID-19. Individual restaurants are also announcing GoFundMe accounts, virtual tip jars and other ways to help their employees through the crisis. Check with individual restaurants for the best ways to donate. The Food Bank of Delaware is looking for donations and volunteers to help with emergency meal boxes and food distribution. The Delaware Division of Arts is also looking for community support during this time.

Donate even more

Healthcare workers need supplies more than ever. ChristianaCare announced donation centers for people to give items like unused protective face masks (especially N95 masks); protective suits and medical scrubs; goggles, safety glasses and face shields; cleaning and sterilizing solutions and wipes; medical gloves; digital and disposable thermometers; hand sanitizer and new disposable stethoscopes. ChristianaCare also has resources on how to donate to its Caregivers Relief Fund and meal donation. There is also a high need for blood and platelets donations. The American Red Cross has information on how to schedule a donation appointment and what they’re doing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Purchase merchandise or specialty items

Many restaurants and boutiques also offer items like merchandise or specialty items like coffee beans, hot sauces and take-home meal kits to cook. Meal delivery services are also an option. Check with your local coffee shops if beans can still be shipped to your house if they’ve closed. Other eateries like Bing’s Bakery in Newark and Luna’s Pizzeria and Italian Grill in Middletown are selling baking and pizza kits to create at home.

Tune in online

You may not be able to go to your favorite museum or entertainment venue, but that doesn’t mean they can’t come to you. Check out Delaware Today’s list of museums offering virtual tours. And there are even more resources listed through the Delaware Division of the Arts like the First State Ballet Theatre’s ballet at home and Color in the Grand activity for kids.

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-- Meg Ryan This article originally ran on Delaware Today