Whether it be through financial donations or volunteering your time, there are so many ways to give back to the community right now.

The first step is to identify what cause is dearest to your heart. Look at your neighborhood; what needs are there to be filled? Also, truly assess your talents and abilities. What is the best way for you to help in these troubling times? We each have different strengths to offer our neighbors and local organizations. Do what you can, and do what makes the most sense for you.

Is it a large one-time donation of canned goods? Is it a regular donation of money to a charity? Is it committing your time to help one person in need? That’s the beauty of doing good—there are endless ways for you to lift others up, it just takes some planning and a little gusto to get started.

We wanted to give you a small sampling of the countless opportunities there are to help. Below is a list of local San Fernando Valley organizations working to help victims of the virus as well as those facing turmoil amid our economic halt. From helping out healthcare workers to supporting local restaurants that are suffering, this list runs the gamut; everyone is sure to find a cause that resonates with them.

I hope you’re able to give back to those in need. If you find yourself in the category of those who need our community’s support, please reach out to us or any of the amazing organizations listed. We want to do everything we can to lend a hand.

Here are some great ways to help out our community right now: 

• American Red Cross blood donations: Blood and platelet donations needed. Appointments: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 12; 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. April 13 through 15; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 16; 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. April 17; 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 18 through 19. Woodland Hills Blood Donation Center, 6338 Variel Ave. See website for guidelines on how to give blood and other locations. Make an appointment by phone 1-800-733-2767, or online at redcrossblood.org
• FISH of West Valley: Call for current food pantry needs. 20440 Lassen St., Chatsworth. 818-882-3474.
• Freedom Church: The Chatsworth church is accepting monetary donations for their pop-up food pantry. www.freedom.church/pop-up-pantry; www.freedom.church/give
• Go Fund Me campaigns:
  • www.gofundme.com/f/feeders
  • www.gofundme.com/f/feedahero
  • www.gofundme.com/f/help-us-send-dinner-to-healthcare-heroes-in-la
  • www.gofundme.com/f/feed-the-frontliners-project
  • www.gofundme.com/f/scrub-hub-for-heroes
  • www.gofundme.com/f/mask-response-at-suay
  • www.gofundme.com/f/support-ems-and-healthcare-workers
  • www.gofundme.com/f/make-masks-la
  • www.gofundme.com/f/get-behind-the-mask
  • www.gofundme.com/f/funds-to-make-masks
  • www.gofundme.com/f/protective-equipment-for-la-hospitals
  • www.gofundme.com/f/6cjpr4-send-sandwiches-to-hospital-workers?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link-tip&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet
• Hope of the Valley Rescue Mission: Seeking donations. 818-392-0020. www.hopeofthevalley.org/covid-19-current-updates
• LA COVID Volunteers: College undergraduates and graduate school students seeking college-age students and non-students to volunteer to help and support health care workers. Check websites for details. www.lacovidvolunteers.org; www.facebook.com/lacovidvolunteers
• LA Students Most in Need: A Los Angeles Unified School District charity to provide meals and supplies for students and family members. lastudentsmostinneed.org
• Lutheran Social Services food pantry: Donations needed include non-perishable food, pop-top canned food and juices, hygiene items, cleaning and paper supplies. Iglesias San Pablo Church, 7400 Tujunga Ave., North Hollywood. 818-901-9480.
• North Valley Caring Services: Call or email the North Hills-based nonprofit for current needs. 818-891-0481. Email Isela Campos: icampos@nvcsinc.org (www.nvcsinc.org)
• Our House Grief Support Center: www.ourhouse-grief.org
• Pop-Up Drive-Thru Food Pantry food donations: Donations accepted, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Tuesday. The drive-thru food pantry is by appointment only on Thursday through Friday for as long as the coronavirus emergency lasts. Northridge Fashion Center, 9301 Tampa Ave. (near California Pizza Kitchen). To support the pantry or to make an appointment, go to sfvrescuemission.org/pantry
• March of Dimes’ Step Up!: A virtual fundraiser for the organization that offers educational programs for mothers and funds research for healthier babies. Participants download the Charity Miles app that tracks their steps on smartphones or fitness watches. Participants then collect donations based on how many steps they’ve taken through May 15 when the campaign ends. More details and to sign at marchforbabies.org
• Mayor’s Fund for Los Angeles – Angeleno Fund: Provides financial assistance to individuals and families facing extreme economic hardship; mayorsfundla.org/angeleno
• Mayor’s Fund for Los Angeles – Emergency COVID-19 Crisis Fund: Provides assistance for small businesses and families, help for the homeless, relief support for healthcare workers and critical healthcare equipment; www.mayorsfundla.org/covid19
• MEND (Meet Each Need with Dignity) food bank: Call about donations or for current food pantry needs. 10641 San Fernando Road, Pacoima. 818-897-2443. www.mendpoverty.org
• North Hollywood Interfaith Food Pantry: The pantry is supported by a coalition of local religious congregations. Information about food and money donations at First Christian Church of North Hollywood (Disciples of Christ), 818-763-8218. www.nhifp.org
• ONEgeneration: Donations for homebound meal delivery for seniors. Also, to inquire about becoming a volunteer send an email: volunteer@onegeneration.org. Call for more information, 818-705-2345. www.onegeneration.org
• The Salvation Army: Needs monetary and in-kind donations. Supplies needed include baby items (diapers and formula), non-perishable food, hygiene items, cleaning and paper supplies. Find a location for in-kind donations by phone or website. 818-781-5739. sanfernandovalley.salvationarmy.org Also, 800-725-2769. salvationarmy-socal.org
• San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission: Donations needed include food, hand sanitizer, hygiene items, and sanitation wipes. Check the website for the list of current needs. Monetary donations taken through the website. Drop off items, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday- through Friday. 8756 Canby Ave., Northridge (use intercom button for assistance). 818-785-4476. sfvrescuemission.org/how-the-mission-will-continue-to-serve-in-light-of-coronavirus/
• Santa Clarita Food Pantry: Call or check website for current needs. 24133 Railroad Ave., Newhall. 661-255-9078. www.scvfoodpantry.org
• Slice and Slice Out Hunger: The online and mobile ordering platform for local pizzerias and the non-profit, respectively, are accepting donations to be used to fund pizza orders where healthcare workers need it the most. The platform identifies facilities through news reports and by suggestion (see link), contacts the hospital or other health care centers for clearance, and then partners with a local pizzeria to deliver the pizzas. Check the website for more details and to donate. sliceouthunger.org/pandemicpizza
• SOVA food pantry: Jewish Family Services of Los Angeles SOVA Community Food and Resource Program. Call or check the website for current needs and to volunteer. 16439 Vanowen St., Van Nuys. 818-988-7682. www.jfsla.org/sova
• United Way of Greater Los Angeles’ Pandemic Relief Fund: Donations help Los Angeles County residents who are unsheltered and low-income people experiencing economic hardship due to coronavirus who also may be at imminent risk of becoming homeless. Check the website for specific details on how the fund will be used. pandemicrelief.unitedwayla.org/
• Valley Community Healthcare: Donations requested for COVID-19 Community Support Fund. valleycommunityhealthcare.org
• West Valley Food Pantry: A coalition of churches and synagogues runs the pantry. Call or check the website to make a donation or for current needs, including volunteering. The pantry is located on the grounds of Prince of Peace Episcopal Church, 5700 Rudnick Ave., Woodland Hills. 818-346-5554. www.westvalleyfoodpantry.org