Depicting the Vital Role Played by Volunteers in Addressing Community Needs in COVID-19: Gauging Media Coverage on the Issue

Abstract

SARS-CoV-2 infection (COVID-19) is a deadly virus that has been claimed to have originated from Wuhan city in China, and spread to all parts of the world. The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted economic workings and increased high burden on healthcare centers across the globe. It increased the need for external groups such as Non Government Organizations (NGOs), non-profits to serve the needy in the pandemic conditions so that there will be a reduction on pressure faced by healthcare centers and governing agencies. Volunteers (youth and millennials) are known to be helping different marginalized groups in society in combating several social challenges that existed in Indian society in the form of education, poverty, women empowerment, social justice, child protection, human rights, and others. In particular, youth and millennials came forward to give a lending hand in society during the ongoing crisis.  The role of media is also highlighted in the study that acts as a bridge in outlining the invaluable contribution made by volunteers and NGOs for addressing community needs during the pandemic.