Supporter,

Late last week I asked you to extend a helping hand to some of the frontline organizations helping those in need through the COVID-19 crisis. Our Sierra Club community responded just as expected, contributing generously to help those groups.

Now we've heard from smaller, local organizations that our volunteer leaders, organizers and chapter staff work in partnership with—organizations coming to the aid of families and individuals struggling to survive these unprecedented times. Even while we've been asked to stay apart, these groups are keeping the bonds between us strong.

Could you pitch in to help the vital groups—listed below—helping to close crucial resource and service gaps for some of our most vulnerable neighbors?

• Social Justice Fund Northwest
• Harambee House
• Seattle Foundation
• Oakland Public Education Fund
• Farmworkers Association of Florida
• City Harvest New York City
• VAYLA New Orleans

From providing nutrition assistance to meeting the immediate needs of healthcare, gig economy, and other workers affected by major closures and cancellations to protecting communities of color suffering acts of bigotry and xenophobia and more, these grassroots organizations are taking care of those who need it most.

And they need our help. The spread of COVID-19 shows no signs of slowing, and this largely unknowable virus appears to be deadlier, particularly among those under the age of 70, than we originally thought. 

PLEASE, rush an emergency gift to help these invaluable advocates now. 100% of funds donated will go directly to the organizations supporting vulnerable communities during this global pandemic.

Supporter, when government institutions and vital industries slow or even grind to a halt, the ripple effects are severe. Children may not get their school meals. Seniors don't receive their home-delivered nutrition assistance. Families already living paycheck to paycheck—especially those whose breadwinners are unable to work due to closures, quarantines or an actual COVID-19 diagnosis—can't buy groceries, pick up lifesaving medicines or pay rent.   

Local nonprofit organizations pick up the slack and close the gaps, stepping up to provide vital aid to countless people. And they desperately need whatever help we can provide—now.

Please, rush your emergency gift now to help the local nonprofits working on the ground to combat the COVID-19 crisis and save lives. Remember, 100% of funds donated will go directly to groups like Harambee House and the Seattle Foundation, so please don't wait.

While the bulk of the media coverage of this crisis has been about the threat to our collective health, the COVID-19 pandemic is in reality a social and economic justice issue, too. 

As with every other natural or man-made disaster we've witnessed in recent years, low-income communities and communities of color will bear the brunt of the pandemic's long-term effects.

It is the knowledge that our Sierra Club community will continue to lift up and champion all our diverse communities that sustains me, even at this frightening time. Our goal is to give people the opportunity to enjoy, explore, and protect the planet—which means nothing without protecting the people who live here. We recognize our social responsibility to keep others safe and support our communities—and it is necessary for us to come together to work through this crisis.

Thank you for all you have done to combat hate and fear with humanity—and hope.

With determination—and deep gratitude,

Michael Brune
Executive Director
Sierra Club