And Make a Difference in My Community
“Whatever you think about grows. Don’t focus on what you’re going through. Focus on what you are going to do!” ~Dr. Caroline Leaf .
There’s an easy point of focus right now. In fact, in can be hard to think about anything else, and it can suck the life right out of you. What if we shifted our attention? Not only to what we’re going to do with the lemons we’ve been handed, but to how we can use those lemons to make a positive difference for the people around us (I mean, not right around us, but at least 2 meters away…).
Obviously, the best way to fight Covid19 is to practice proper hygiene and to keep your distance. Here are the next best ways to make a difference:
1. Support your local food bank
Food banks are being hit harder than ever with the increased unemployment and the lack of access to school lunches. If you don’t feel comfortable going in, you can call ahead to just drop off donations.
2. Donate toiletries
Know how you haven’t been able to find any toilet paper? Yeah. Now think about homeless shelters that have a suddenly increased need with a simultaneous decrease in availability. Toilet paper, paper towels, shampoo, soap, wipes, and feminine hygiene products are a big need. If you’ve managed to score any, consider sharing the love with a local shelter.
3. Give blood
Here’s another example of a sudden gap in supply and demand. You don’t have to go to a hospital to give blood and blood drives have made accommodations to maintain social distancing requirements. American Red Cross is often the easiest route, but you can also google blood drives near you, since blood banks vary by region.
4. Volunteer with Meals on Wheels
Meals on Wheels delivers food to seniors who can’t meet this need on their own. This can be as easy as picking up the pre-cooked meal and dropping it off. Depending on the location, it may only take 20 minutes from your day and meet a very real need.
5. Show appreciation to the front lines
Send a thank-you note or have the kids paint a picture, or send in some Girl Scout cookies or special (non homemade) goods to show your local medical staff that you appreciate all their sacrificing. Don’t forget about mental health staff.
6. Encourage victims
You can send cards and pictures to patients, too. People are dying alone – a little bit of encouragement could go a long way right now.
7. Donate to the hospital
Apparently, supplies are short all around. You can do a 0 contact supply drop off at your local hospital to deliver things like hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, or respirators. The list varies slightly by hospital, but here’s what Penn State Hershey is asking for.
8. Give money
If you’re among the few that are still able to work, which means you’re short on time but not as short on money, you can also donate funds. There are about a million different places to give. You can give supplies to hospitals, food to hungry, and books to the children who no longer have access to education. You can also call your local charities to see how to best support your own community, or check out this Washington Post article with charities looking for donations to assist in the Covid crisis.
9. Be a lighthouse
Think about your neighbors and how you can encourage them. If you’re already making a grocery run, offer to pick up groceries for your high-risk neighbor. If you need something a little more low-risk and family-friendly, decorate a window with an encouraging message, spread some sidewalk chalk hope, or put on a concert from your front porch. Pick up the phone to check on your grandparents or elderly neighbor.
10. Support local businesses
The lack of “going out” is a nightmare for small businesses trying to stay afloat. If it’s still an option where you live, consider ordering takeout. It would be a special treat for you, and a help to the business owner (and employees).
These are great ways to shift your focus, give you something to do, and to teach your children compassion. We’re all in different places right now, but there’s something each of us can contribute. You can also check in with your local church or charity to see what needs you may be able to meet in your community.
If you’re still looking for ways to occupy the kids, don’t forget to check out my 100 at-home activities.