Facebook Introduces ‘Drives’ to Support Communities in Need
Facebook has unveiled a new feature called Drives, designed to help users in the U.S. organize and share donation efforts for essentials like food, clothing, and other necessities. This initiative is part of Facebook’s Community Help hub, a centralized platform for local aid requests and offers.
The Evolution of Community Help
Originally launched in 2017, the Community Help hub was created to assist users during crises such as natural disasters, accidents, or terrorist attacks. In 2020, Facebook expanded its functionality to address the global COVID-19 pandemic, enabling users worldwide to support those affected by the crisis.
Addressing the Economic Fallout of COVID-19
The ongoing pandemic has left millions unemployed, with 12 million Americans at risk of losing unemployment benefits by December due to the expiration of CARES Act provisions. Rising food insecurity, housing instability, and financial hardships have further exacerbated the need for community support.
How ‘Drives’ Works
With Drives, users can create and share donation campaigns for specific causes, such as:
- Canned Food Drives for local shelters
- Clothing Drives for those in need
- Other essential item collections
Steps to Create a Drive:
- Search “Community Help” in Facebook.
- Click “Request or Offer Help” in the Community Help hub.
- Select “Create Drive” and fill out the form, including a goal for items needed.
- Share the Drive, which will appear in your News Feed, Timeline, and the Community Help section.
Availability and Moderation
The feature is rolling out gradually, with Facebook initially noting a potential delay of “weeks” before full availability. However, after feedback, the company updated its timeline to “coming days” to ensure accessibility for holiday-related drives.
All Drive posts undergo review to ensure compliance with Facebook’s Community Standards and Community Help Product Policies. Prohibited content includes spam, promotional material, and posts from users under 18.
Broader Holiday Giving Initiatives
In addition to Drives, Facebook announced several other efforts to support charitable causes:
- Matching donations up to $7 million for U.S. nonprofits on Giving Tuesday (December 1).
- Hosting “Peace Through Music: A Global Event for Social Justice” on Facebook Live (December 1, 12 PM ET), featuring artists like Billie Eilish, Carlos Santana, and Ringo Starr. Proceeds will benefit organizations such as the Playing for Change Foundation and the United Nations Population Fund.
Instagram’s Fundraising Expansion
Instagram is also enhancing its fundraising tools. While users can currently raise funds via Stories and Live, a future update will allow Feed-based fundraisers, though a release date has not been specified.
This suite of features underscores Facebook’s commitment to leveraging its platform for social good, particularly during times of widespread need.
