With COVID-19 now reaching all 50 states in the nation and forcing many to go into quarantine, it has become pretty evident how serious the virus is. Not only has it resulted in the death of over 90,000 people, but it also has shut down the nation’s economy.

With shops and restaurants closing all over the United States, many Americans have lost their source of income and slowly etch towards poverty in this time of unemployment. Many struggle to put food on the table for their families or keep a roof over their heads but there is still hope.

Athletes, politicians, big companies, etc, have created ways of giving back to the community such as giving donations or have set up fundraisers that help in delivering food and money to the less fortunate during this time of need.

Lebron James, a professional basketball player, gave back by holding a special “Taco Tuesday,” which helped feed 340 students and families. He is not the only one, a lot of other athletes have helped too. Drew Brees, a quarterback of the Louisiana Saints, donated 5 million dollars to the state of Louisiana to help communities impacted by the virus. Simone Biles, a professional gymnast, also contributed by donating her gear to be bid on with all profits going to the relief efforts. The list just goes on and on.

Many business owners and foundations have also done their part to help out during these unprecedented times. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation pledged 100 million dollars to help contain the virus with 20 million going directly to groups like the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), in hopes of stopping the outbreak.

Ed Bastian, the CEO of Delta, has decided to forgo his salary for six months so he doesn’t have to lay off any of his employees.

Events like these are happening even on a more local stage, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has started up the Team Kentucky Fund, which is designed to provide help to Kentuckians that are facing unemployment due to being laid off because of COVID-19. He is also pushing to get more gloves to give to frontline workers and to help slow down the spread of the virus.

More donations are being given, and measures are being taken to help people who are in troublesome situations. This will prove to be very vital to people during this time and will hopefully allow them to stay above water until this virus is resolved.