The COVID-19 pandemic has us redefining “normal” on a near-daily basis. Many are adjusting to online work and learning, unemployment from job closures and layoffs, and staying apart from our loved ones. But the pandemic has added even more stress for those struggling to afford housing, childcare, clothing, and especially food for their families.
Through Random Acts’ COVID-19 Support Program, we have helped fund organizations focused on helping others throughout this pandemic. And our partnership with clothing brand UpWest has allowed us to provide even more funding to these organizations so that they can continue their valuable work.
Tackling Food Insecurity
Partnering with UpWest, Random Acts has recently helped four organizations, two of which focus on feeding their communities. The nonprofit TABLE provides nutritious food for at-risk school children in North Carolina all year round and throughout the pandemic. They also offer educational resources such as teaching kids healthy eating habits and introducing them to new foods.
Blessings in a Backpack has typically provided weekend meals for students who have relied on their schools for food on weekdays. Since the pandemic has closed many schools, Blessings in a Backpack has shifted its focus from weekend meals to daily meals. The organization works with school districts throughout the United States to develop a food distribution plan specific to each community.
Children who once relied on their schools, many of which have closed due to the pandemic, for weekday meals now need help finding food every day of the week.
Providing Essential Items and Resources
Food is not the only necessity that people have been struggling for before and during the pandemic. Two nonprofits that help those in need of shelter, clothing, or other resources have also benefited from extra funding through Random Acts and UpWest:
Cradles to Crayons collects and distributes donations of clothing, toys, books, and other everyday essentials to help growing children thrive. The organization is taking extra precautions and continues to serve children and families in the metropolitan areas of Boston, Chicago, and Philadelphia throughout the pandemic.
The nonprofit Bridges to Independence provides support and resources for homeless individuals and families to secure housing and employment. Since the pandemic, they have adjusted their programs and services to continue helping the communities in and around Arlington, Virginia.