Friends -
In just a minute, I’m going to ask you to split a contribution between five charities helping people deeply affected by the coronavirus pandemic. First, please let me explain why this ask is so important.
We are likely already in a recession because of the coronavirus. It's been estimated that the unemployment rate could hit 20% if we don't act boldly.
All across the country, stores, bars, restaurants, and other small businesses are closing their doors. Many are laying off workers, reducing hours, or going out of business entirely.
What is brewing is an economic crisis that, without bold action, will leave many people behind. While Bernie is working to find solutions to help people at scale, we wanted to ask you to support five charities who are assisting those who need help right now.
These five groups — Meals on Wheels, No Kid Hungry, Restaurant Workers’ Community Foundation COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund, One Fair Wage Emergency Fund, and the National Domestic Workers Alliance — are helping people affected. And they can use your financial support right now. That is why I’m asking:
Let me tell you a little about these five groups, and why splitting your $5 contribution between them would mean so much right now:
Meals on Wheels delivers prepared food to seniors all across the country. This is especially important in the pandemic, as seniors are at high risk, and limiting their need to go to the grocery store by delivering these meals is a critical service.
No Kid Hungry makes sure that children get the food they need, especially since schools are closed across the country. Their service is especially important as families who lose their jobs need to keep their kids fed.
Restaurant Workers’ Community Foundation COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund is providing direct financial support to restaurant workers who are out of work or have reduced hours because of the pandemic. They are also supporting community organizations of local workers and providing loans to restaurants to re-open when it is safe.
National Domestic Workers Alliance is giving financial support to in-home care workers, nannies, and house cleaners who have to stay home and not work in order to reduce the spread of the virus.
One Fair Wage Emergency Fund gives funds directly to service workers affected by the pandemic, including restaurant, salon, airport, rideshare, and gig economy workers who find themselves out of work or without customers.
These five groups cover a large section of the problems that we are immediately facing as the health crisis creates an economic crisis. While we need to do much, much more as a country, supporting these groups is a good first step to take if you’re able to do so right now.
So please, if you’re able to right now, can you split a $5 contribution between these five critical charities providing support to those who are already affected by the economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic?
Thank you so much for standing with Bernie on this. We appreciate anything you can do.
In solidarity,
Faiz Shakir
Campaign Manager