8123 IMPACT DAY 2020
Planning to participate in 8123 Impact Day? Check out some ideas to get you started, or come up with your own!
Support the Black Lives Matter movement. There are lots of worldwide efforts available - take the day on June 20th to educate yourself, sign petitions, call leaders, or join a protest. There are lots of incredible nonprofits run by and supporting the Black community - research the ones local to you to learn about online or in-person volunteer opportunities you could participate with.
Donate blood at a blood collection drive. Check local resources for more info on donating blood.
Do a trash clean up in your community! Live near the ocean or a lake? Clean up your local beach! Are you near hiking trails or mountains? Pick up garbage along the paths! Do you live in the city? Clean up your neighborhood! Be sure to wear appropriate PPE. There are many local environmental groups that track these types of cleanups - be sure to see if you can coordinate with one in your area!
Make positive cards for long-term care or nursing home residents! Quarantine can feel very isolating - especially for those living in homes. Reach out to your local LTC homes or hospitals to see if they are accepting handmade cards for the residents/patients, or check to see if there is a group overseeing this initiative in your community.
Senior shopping services - many groups have popped up during the pandemic that has healthy volunteers help out people who have difficulty getting out to do their grocery or pharmacy runs. You can also offer this directly -the Nextdoor app is a great resource to start!
Volunteer at an animal shelter! Some shelters are closed down to the public, but still, need volunteers to help with the animals in their care. Others are looking for foster homes to move their animals to during the pandemic until they can reopen. There are lots of ways to get involved!
Sign up to help at your local food bank! Food banks are busier than ever, with so many people out of work and in need of their services. Check with your local food bank to sign up for a volunteer shift.
Plant trees in your neighborhood! A couple of years back in Buffalo, The Maine and a group of about 50 fans partnered with a local park conservancy to plant trees and clean up a park. Check with yours to see if you can get involved! If not, try giving back to the planet directly by planting a tree on your own property or cleaning up trash in your local park.
Sew masks for your community members, or make mask extenders for the healthcare workers at your local hospital! Are you crafty? Search online for templates and make some fabric masks to donate to frontline non-medical staff. Or create some mask extenders to donate to the healthcare workers!
Volunteer remotely! Check local volunteer listings or reach out to non-profits to see what you can help with. Lots of nonprofits have had to turn their fundraising events digital - you could volunteer your marketing/social media/data entry skills and time to help them remotely.
The possibilities are endless! Have an idea you want to try not on the list? Be sure to let us know in your pledge sign up!