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Team, 

As we tackle the COVID-19 pandemic as a global community, many Americans are wondering how to help their fellow citizens get through this difficult time.

We wanted to share a few resources that may be helpful if you have the capacity or time to give back right now:

• The Rhode Island Foundation and the United Way of Rhode Island have teamed up to provide financial help to nonprofit organizations that are directly responding to the coronavirus outbreak. You can contribute to their COVID-19 Response Fund here.
   
• Many are facing unpaid time off from work, furlough, unemployment, and more and do not know when their next paycheck will come. You can support the most vulnerable among our community by contributing to local food banks.
   
• If you are able to do so, you can support our health system by donating blood. Due to the cancellation of blood drives, the American Red Cross faces a severe blood shortage.
   
• Many restaurants, cafes, and bars have been forced to reduce or close operations for the foreseeable future. Consider supporting your favorite local eateries by ordering takeout or purchasing a gift card or merchandise. The Restaurant Workers’ Community Foundation has a COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund to provide emergency assistance to restaurant industry workers who need support.

The most important thing we can all do is practice social distancing and stay home, particularly if you are feeling sick. Wash your hands frequently with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds and disinfect commonly touched surfaces often.

And finally, we want to take a minute to give a special thanks to all those who are on the frontlines of the COVID-19 response. To our doctors, nurses, law enforcement, and all those who are tirelessly working to keep our shelves stocked, our power on, and our deliveries arriving – thank you.

-- Team Cicilline