At a time when people are concerned about contracting COVID-19, the well-being of their loved ones and how to maintain a sense of normalcy, it can be hard to think about helping others.

But it’s a good way to stay positive during the pandemic.

And there are many people in need.

There is one way you can contribute to a safer, healthier and more resilient Canada, simply by helping to stop the spread: Practise social distancing and stay home unless you absolutely have to go outside for essential items.

But these guidelines present much more challenging circumstances for seniors, the disabled and people experiencing homelessness.

Many homeless shelters and social service agencies are in dire need of supplies. Food is always welcome, but some of the things you might not think to donate are razors and feminine hygiene products. Right now, with many people experiencing homelessness and attempting to self isolate, tents and sleeping bags are especially needed, said a spokesperson for Boyle Street Community Services in Edmonton.

Chris Hatch, CEO of Food Banks Canada, said they’ve seen an average 20 per cent increase in demand at branches across the country.

“We’re expecting it to go higher,” he said.

Non-perishable foods are typically the items people think of donating first. But there are other supplies that can make a huge difference in people’s lives.

For example, laundry detergent.

“The top one would be laundry detergent,” Hatch said. “I’ve seen people trade off food for laundry detergent.”

Other hygienic supplies are in high demand, including toothpaste, toothbrushes, shaving cream, deodorant and tampons and pads. Household supplies, such as toilet paper, sponges and dish detergent are also needed.

Hatch said it’s a good idea to simply donate money, as then the food bank can buy the specific food and items their clients need.

One of the groups facing the greatest challenge with self isolation is seniors. Many already had limited social contact and support before the pandemic, but now find themselves unable to get groceries, make medical appointments or even care for their pets.

The Calgary Seniors Resource Center is creating a list of volunteers to help with drops offs, pet assistance and what they call “practical kindness.”

“That would be things like, maybe a senior has a critical light bulb in a place they need, like their kitchen,” said Annastasia Stevens, senior’s social supports manager with Calgary Seniors.

“Let’s say that’s putting them in danger, we would have a volunteer who would take the appropriate measures to protect themselves and the senior and then go and change the light bulb.”

It’s a good idea to reach out to your local senior care centre or advocacy group to see if there’s a way you can help out. Sometimes, seniors are just looking for human contact and you may not even need to leave your home to provide it.

“We also have social phone supports. We have tons of volunteers mobilized to provide phone calls to seniors who are anxious, lonely, all of those different things,” Stevens said.

It’s just as important to reach out to your senior neighbours and friends to see if there’s anything you can do to help.

“Reach out by telephone. It may be even going to the door and taking appropriate precaution, asking is there anything I can help with, can I pick up groceries?”

One item both Food Banks Canada and Calgary Seniors said can make a huge difference in people’s lives is pet food.

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Both Hatch and Stevens have observed people going hungry to feed their pets.

“Seniors are incredibly passionate about their animals because often, they’re their whole reason for being,” Stevens said.

Stevens was happy to turn that situation around for a client recently.

“When we supplied her with the pet food, which we had a volunteer drop off, she as a human started eating again.”