Given the difficulties so many around the world are facing this year, we have decided to embrace the true spirit of the giving season and have chosen to donate to charities in lieu of traditional cards and gifts. We encourage you and your family to do the same - there are plenty of ways to give back, whether you choose to donate time, money, food, or even books. 

Here at BAHS,  as part of our Anglo American heritage, we are contributing to two charities this year that we feel strongly about: Feeding America and The Trussell Trust.  

Feeding America works to provide nourishing food for the nearly 50 million Americans, including 17 million children, who do not have enough to eat on a regular basis. Click here to donate. 

The Trussell Trust supports a vast network of food banks and provides emergency food and support to people in poverty in the UK. Click here to donate.

COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund for WHO
If you'd like to give to those affected by the pandemic, consider donating to the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund for WHO. The World Health Organization, the United Nations Foundation, and the Swiss Philanthropy Foundation joined together to create this unified giving platform that directly supports WHO's work.  The donations support research, patient care, and supplies for essential workers. The site accepts tax-deductible donations online, via check, text and more.  
 

Send Books to Children in Need 
By donating to First Book, you'll assist in getting books into the hands of reading age children in low-income communities. Since the shutdowns began, almost 2 million books have been distributed to children and families at emergency feeding sites and homeless shelters across the country. If you have physical books to donate, try giving your local women's shelter or church a call; current regulations on donations of physical items vary greatly across the country. 

Donate Plasma
If you've already had and successfully recovered from COVID-19, you can help others by donating plasma via the Red Cross. People who have fully recovered from COVID-19 have antibodies in their plasma that can attack the virus. Adults 18 years and older, who are currently in good health, and have a prior, verified diagnosis of COVID-19, but are now symptom free and fully recovered, may qualify. Visit the Red Cross website for details. 

Counsel Those in Crisis Remotely 
During this time of isolation, many people are struggling physically and mentally. Consider signing up as a counselor for a crisis phone or text hotline. Most offer online training programs that can be done on your schedule. We recommend Crisis Text Line - they are actively seeking volunteers in both the U.S. and the U.K. 

Watch Your Favorite TV Shows
With the 4th Wall Chrome Extension, your family can donate to WHO, Meals on Wheels, Project Hope and more simply by streaming the shows you love on Netflix, Hulu or Prime Video. Just download the extension and start watching; the app will make a donation to a COVID-19 relief cause of your choice after you've accumulated a certain number of minutes streaming.