The COVID-19 vaccination rollout has allowed many in the United States to breathe a sigh of relief. As of Monday, almost 247 million shots have been administered according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, while many businesses are beginning the process of inching closer to what we used to call “normal.” With the promise of summer on the horizon, this couldn’t be happening at a more perfect time. However, this hopeful atmosphere is a stark contrast to many places across the world where vaccines have not yet been widely distributed, namely in India, where COVID-19 continues to ravage through communities and claim the lives of many.
The Washington Post reports that India has now become only the second country after the United States to pass 20 million coronavirus cases. The government announced on Tuesday that 357,000 new infections and 3,449 deaths had been recorded, and the situation doesn’t seem likely to improve anytime soon due to a vaccine shortage and dwindling resources.
Though we may be separated by distance, there are still a lot of ways to get involved and send aid to those on the ground in India. Below is a list of organizations you can donate to:
1. Feeding From Far-Ration Distribution
Feeding From Far distributes ration kits of food that last a family of five for an entire week to those living in the oldest dumping ground and slum in Mumbai — Govandi. Most of the residents living here are daily wage workers who have been left unemployed due to the pandemic and lockdown restrictions. They are now struggling to feed themselves or their families.
You can donate to Feeding From Far here.
2. Enrich Lives Foundation
Enrich Lives Foundation is a volunteer-led organization that addresses the hunger crisis created by the COVID-19 crisis in Mumbai. Many of us living in America have been able to enjoy cooking from home or ordering takeout throughout the pandemic, but the concept of “the next meal” is an unanswered question for migrant laborers and daily wage earners. Enrich Lives Foundation serves these people and ensures they have access to food and groceries as this crisis continues.
You can donate to Enrich Lives Foundation here.
3. HelpNow 24×7 Ambulance Network
HelpNow is made up of young students who provide a secure, 24×7 network for transporting COVID patients, doctors, nurses, medical supplies, and more in India. Due to lockdown restrictions, India has faced a shortage of public ambulances and transportation, causing thousands of deaths that would have been otherwise preventable.
You can donate to HelpNow here.
4. Pint Network’s of Plasma
Pint Network is a nonprofit that assists with connecting potential blood donors who have COVID antibodies with patients. Additionally, their fund helps low-income patients with the hospital bills. So far, they’ve been able to save over 800 lives across 12 major cities in India.
You can donate to Pint Network here.
5. Hemkunt Foundation
Amid the ongoing COVID crisis, the Hemkunt Foundation has supplied oxygen cylinders to critical patients living in Delhi and Gurgaon. Without access to oxygen, the chances of recovery for these patients are very slim.
You can donate to Hemkunt Foundation here.
If you are unable to donate, you can still help a great deal by sharing this article with your friends and family. Every little bit counts, and it’s on us who have the privilege of looking to the future to help those still consumed by coronavirus pandemic by any means necessary.