I realize that this is not in our lane of “family fun for the East Bay” but I’ve been desperately wondering how to help others while also trying to be a good girl and Stay Home all the time!
If you are fortunate enough to have a steady income and want to help our community in this unprecedented time of need, please read on for ideas where you can give money to make an impact.
If you need help or services of any kind, check out this comprehensive list of San Francisco Bay Area Covid-19 resources from food, housing, government forms, unemployment, and lots more with clear instructions in both English and Spanish.
Donations you can make
Helping School Students
Berkeley Public Schools Fund is supporting the emergency needs of Berkeley students and their families during the school closures/COVID-19 crisis. They are providing emergency assistance money direct to families on a weekly basis and distributing books and Chromebooks to families at school meal pickup locations. Donate to the The Berkeley Public Schools Fund
Oakland Public Education Fund OUSD in partnership with the Oakland Public Education Fund is trying to rapidly respond to the crisis on behalf of all public school students and adults, and particularly for those who are most vulnerable. Donate to the COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund for Oakland Kids & Schools
Helping Community Businesses & Vulnerable Populations
East Bay FeedER is buying delicious meals from restaurants struggling under social distancing rules for frontline emergency rooms and ICU staff in our local hospitals (Highland Hospital, Summit Hospital, Children’s Hospital of Oakland, Alta Bates, Kaiser Oakland and Kaiser Richmond). Donate to FeedER
Alameda County Food Bank Help fund the COVID-19 emergency response efforts of providing food to our county. Every $1 you donate helps provide $7 worth of food. Donate to the Alameda County Food Bank.
Oakland COVID-19 Relief Fund Oakland residents and philanthropic organizations can donate help protect the health of all Oaklanders and support the most vulnerable community members. Donate to Oakland COVID-19 Relief Fund.
Berkeley Relief Fund is partially funded by the City Council and community members in the spirit of coming together to support small businesses, arts nonprofits, and residential tenants during the COVID-19 pandemic. Donate to Berkeley Relief Fund.
Bay Area Rescue Mission serves homeless people in the Bay Area out of Richmond. Volunteers feed guests, assist with the preparation, set-up, serving, and clean-up for meals. Donate to Bay Area Rescue Mission Covid-19 Relief Fund.
Keep Your Money Local
As much as you reasonably can, be thoughtful about where you spend your money. When you shop with our East Bay businesses, you are helping keep other families afloat. This includes supporting restaurants and local shops whenever you can.

Online Enrichment Classes & Virtual Extracurriculars For Kids (Ages 0 to 18)
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Shop Local & Small While You Stay at Home
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Party in Place: Celebrate Birthdays Without Leaving the House
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9 East Bay Restaurants with Curbside Pick-up
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Thanks to my wonderful friend Karen Merzenich for helping me find these resources. Check out her giant List for Allies on How to Help During Pandemic – Donations, Volunteer Opps, Resources, Political Actions