Want To Help People Affected By Coronavirus? Here's How

You can give blood, send a nice meal to a healthcare worker, donate PPE or support universal access to the news. [View in browser]( Every day you’re turning to WBUR for the latest news and updates on the coronavirus outbreak in Massachusetts and beyond. You’re staying informed, washing your hands, practicing social distancing. We know there are so many things you can’t control during this global pandemic, so we’re focusing on what you can do to be there for each other and stay connected. That’s why we put together a list of ways you can help your fellow humans (and animals) during this trying time: - Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and the Massachusetts Medical Society are collecting medical equipment that offers maximum protection, such as surgical masks and full hospital gowns. You can [email MEMA](mailto:donationsdeskmema@gmail.com) for more information. - The American Red Cross says it's facing a "[severe blood shortage]( because of canceled blood drives, and it's asking healthy individuals to donate blood, platelets or AB elite plasma. - The Greater Boston Food Bank says monetary donations will be the most helpful (but they do have [a few ways]( for people to volunteer). - If you’d like to buy your healthcare workers lunch or dinner to say "thank you," check out [Off Their Plate](. - The MSPCA is asking for donations of pet food and other items on its Amazon [wish lists]( for its centers in Boston, Nevins Farm and Cape Cod. Read our full story about ways to help others in the community [here.]( We also know that you’re often turning to WBUR to keep connected — to the news and to each other. We take our responsibility seriously. We recognize the significance of this moment and we are doing our best to minimize fundraising in favor of news coverage this spring. The reality, though, is that WBUR still needs financial resources to continue bringing news to readers in Boston and across New England. We realize not everyone can afford to donate. But whatever you can give helps us guarantee universal access to essential, local news. [DONATE NOW]( If you've recently donated or can’t make a financial contribution right now, we completely understand. We do have a favor to ask, though: Will you show your support for WBUR by forwarding our coronavirus newsletter to one friend? You can encourage them to sign up [here](. Together we’ll get through this challenging time. In the interim, we’ll focus on what we can do: showing compassion and being there for each other. WBUR will continue to be here for you, too. Sending positive thoughts your way, Meagan McGinnes Newsletter Editor, WBUR [@meaganmcginnes]( Copyright © 2020 WBUR-FM, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: WBUR-FM 890 Commonwealth AveBoston, MA 02215-1205 [Add us to your address book]( You signed up for this newsletter at wbur.org. You can [update your preferences]( or [unsubscribe]( from emails from our newsroom.