One of the things that has struck me, as we see this pandemic unfold across the nation, is how people’s natural instinct is to reach out a helping hand.
Now companies are getting in on the action—donating supplies, money, and so much more. Take a look at this list of companies and support them if you can.
These Companies Are Making Much-Needed Sanitizers
Hand sanitizers are a critical way of getting rid of the virus. (The high levels of alcohol in sanitizers kill germs, including the coronavirus.) With hand sanitizers in such short supply, even for medical professionals, these companies have turned over their production lines to make sanitizers.
• L’Oréal, which is also donating money to provide hygiene kits for volunteers.
• Louis Vuitton’s parent company, LVMH, is also using all of its cosmetics and perfume facilities to make free hand sanitizers for healthcare workers.
These Companies Are Supporting Their Employees
So many hourly employees are out of work and aren’t getting paid, but these companies have got their back:
• Lululemon, across North America and Europe, is still continuing to pay their employees.
• REI, the outdoor store, continues to pay their employees during the coronavirus closures.
Many companies like Apple and Amazon are giving their employees, if they do get sick, unlimited sick leave—so they can continue to get paid while getting better.
These Companies Are Donating
From cash to much-needed medical supplies, these companies are donating:
• Reformation, a company that makes sustainable clothing, is making essential masks for healthcare workers in Los Angeles. You can buy a pack of masks and donate them to people who need them, too.
• Johnson & Johnson is donating everything from masks and isopropyl alcohol (which kills the coronavirus) to generators for hospitals.
• Facebook is donating hundreds of thousands of unused masks originally purchased for the California wildfires. Apple is also donating masks.
• Amazon and Microsoft are each donating $2.5 million to help those affected by the coronavirus in their hometowns of Seattle.
How You Can Help
You don’t have to be a big-name company to make a difference. Every little bit helps.
• Do your part; stay home. By staying home, you’re ensuring that you don’t spread the virus to anyone else. If you have to go out for essentials, wear a mask and disposable gloves.
• Donate supplies. If you have extra masks or hand sanitizers, call your local hospital to see if they’re accepting donations.
• Give blood. If you’re healthy and haven’t been exposed to the virus, contact the American Red Cross, which is in desperate need of blood. They’ll determine whether or not you’re eligible.
• Support local. So many restaurants are suffering right now, but they’re offering take-out and curb-side pickup. If you can, call to order takeout or delivery to keep these restaurants in business for when you are able to dine in.
We’re in this together—and can get through this together. Do what you can, however you can.