How to Help India During the COVID Crisis (Where to Donate and How to Spread Awareness)

Co-authored by Hannah Madden

Last Updated: August 25, 2021

As COVID-19 continues to spread around India, experts project that the crisis is going to get worse before it gets better. The people of India are experiencing a shortage of food, medicine, and oxygen, and grieving families are struggling to keep themselves fed and safe. We’ve compiled a list of ways you can help the Indian people and deliver them the supplies they so desperately need.

Method 1

Method 1 of 7:
Donate to international organizations.

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There are many organizations that have stepped up to help India. You can visit any one of their websites to make a cash donation and support their efforts. You can choose from:^{[1]
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- UNICEF: The United Nations Children’s Fund
- PATH: A global health nonprofit based in Seattle
- The International Medical Corps: Works in conflict areas around the world
- Care India: Supplies hospitals and frontline workers with PPE
- The Association for India’s Development: A Maryland-based charity that partners with nonprofits in India
- Project HOPE: A Maryland-based nonprofit providing medical training and health education around the world
- GIVE.Asia: A fund-raising platform based in Singapore
- Americares: A nongovernmental organization based in Connecticut that specializes in medical response work
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Method 2

Method 2 of 7:
Donate to groups in India.

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These organizations are on the ground helping Indian people. Check out their websites to make a cash donation via the web. You can choose from:^{[2]
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- The Indian Red Cross Society: Runs blood drives and delivers medical supplies
- Youth Feed India and Helping Hands Charitable Trust: Delivers ration kits to people in need
- Ketto: Campaigning to buy oxygen tanks for those in need

Method 3

Method 3 of 7:
Give PPE to frontline organizations.

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Frontline workers need gowns and masks. If you have any personal protective equipment (PPE) that’s unused, you can donate it to a variety of different organizations. Check out their websites to figure out how to send in your PPE and get it to those in need.^{[3]
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- If you don’t have any unused PPE, you can make a financial donation to those organizations instead.
- Care India: Delivers PPE to frontline workers
- UNICEF: The United Nations Children’s Fund
- Americares: Provides gloves, masks, and face shields to frontline workers
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Method 4

Method 4 of 7:
Help supply oxygen via donations.

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Oxygen tanks are running low in India. There are a few organizations that are dedicated to transporting and delivering oxygen to those in need. You can make a cash donation to:^{[4]
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- The American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin: Represents over 80,000 physicians in the United States
- Direct Relief: Supplies oxygen and medical resources to those in need
- Airlink: Launching airlifts of humanitarian aid to those in need
- Oxygen for India, which isn’t a registered 501C3, meaning they can’t accept donations directly. If you’d like to donate to them, make a contribution via the global non-profit Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics and Policy (CDDEP) by visiting https://cddep.org/

Method 5

Method 5 of 7:
Send meal kits to people in India.

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Your donations can help feed hungry people in India. Feeding from Far, Enrich Lives Foundation, and Feeding India are all sending food directly to the Indian people. You can make a financial donation to them on their websites to help aid their efforts.^{[5]
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- Feeding from Far: A Mumbai-based charity supplying food to those in need
- Enrich Lives Foundation: Another Mumbai-based charity supplying food to those in need
- Feeding India: Provides essential food and rations to hungry people
- Some restaurants are pledging to donate part of their profits to charities in India. Check out your local spots to see if any of them are planning on donating—if they are, you can make a purchase to help out the people of India.
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Method 6

Method 6 of 7:
Donate products if you’re a business.

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If you have large amounts of supplies, you can donate them to India. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation has set up a donation portal for businesses to donate resources in large quantities. They’re looking for BiPAP machines, ventilators, remdesivir, tocilizumab, and acetone. If you have any of these supplies, you can donate them via the Commerce’s website.^{[6]
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- Start your donation by visiting https://usccfdonationportal.communityos.org/.

Method 7

Method 7 of 7:
Spread the word about the ongoing crisis.

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Post about it on social media and talk to your friends. The more people who know about it, the more money these organizations can raise. Tell people about the contributions you’ve made and encourage them to do the same. The more we work together, the more we can help those in need.^{[7]
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- If you repost an infographic on social media, make sure you credit the original source or author.
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Community Q&A

Question

My family is Indian and a lot of my family is dying. How can I support them emotionally? I've heard people crying on my mother's phone, so I know that they are pained emotionally.

VY

Community Answer

Try not to be busy for long hours doing what shows you enjoying yourself, like watching TV, playing, surfing the internet, etc. You don't have to stop relaxing, however, if you see something in the house that needs doing (cooking, cleaning, clearing away dishes, etc.), then go ahead and lend a hand without waiting to be asked. It speaks more if you act than stay still and feel bad. When your family members talk, listen and let them reminisce with you. Continue to stick to your routine, whatever it is.; that is good for you. Above all, keep strong by focusing on maintaining your health and eating healthily.