Here’s how to help people and organizations hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic

Give blood: Schedule an appointment at the South Texas Blood & Tissue Center. It’s low on blood.

Give money: To support families and nonprofits, donate to the COVID-19 Community Response Fund or the Big Give Emergency Relief.

Prepare food boxes: The San Antonio Food Bank needs volunteers. Go to mowsatx.org to donate to Meals on Wheels.

Gather supplies for your favorite nonprofit: Many, including Catholic Charities, Family Violence Prevention Services, San Antonio Pets Alive and St. Vincent de Paul, don’t have enough nonperishable food, bottled water, baby formula, hand sanitizer or paper towels.

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Organize hygiene kits for the homeless: San Antonio police need kits with hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, soap, socks and bottles of water to distribute to the homeless. Kits can be dropped off at SAFFE substations.

Volunteer: The American Red Cross and other charities have in-person and online opportunities.

Help out-of-work hospitality workers, musicians and artists: Culinaria has organized an emergency relief fund. So have San Antonio Tip Jar , Howl at the Moon and the San Antonio Opera.

Reach out to your local school: Offer to record an educational video about your profession. Drop off books or laptops for children who don’t have them.

Check on family, friends, neighbors: Call or FaceTime family members. Check on elderly neighbors. Send a card to a friend.

Organize a mutual aid network: Use online tools or lists to track what people in your neighborhood need and what people are able to give.