Helping doesn't have to be hard. As the numbers of the coronavirus cases continue to rise and the shutdowns across the globe continue, more and more people are wondering what they can do to help their local community during this time of crisis. In addition to following the CDC guidelines and maintaining social distancing at all times, we have compiled a list of a few easy things you can do to help your community.
- Support local businesses - No question about it, the restaurant industry is getting hit hard. While we cannot sit down and enjoy a delicious meal at our favorite restaurant, there are still some ways that you can help. Consider doing take out as most restaurants are now offering take out and delivery options. Depending on where you live many delivery options like DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grub Hub and the like are now offering contactless delivery. Simply place your order, pay and tip all online. Not comfortable doing takeout or delivery? Consider buying a Gift Card online to use as soon life returns to normal. Your local restaurants will thank you!
- Check-in on your elderly neighbors - If you are in a lower risk group and are able to reach out to your higher risk neighbors (the elderly and those with underlying medical conditions) and see how you can help. Offer to pick up prescriptions for them, complete their food shopping for them and just ensure they have everything they need. Even a kind phone call would be appreciated. Social distancing is hard for all of us and can be even more challenging for the elderly especially if they are living alone. A simple kind gesture can go a very long way.
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Put your skills to work - Our healthcare professionals are facing a shortage of protective gear they need in order to keep them safe. If you are crafty and know how to sew, you may be able to help by creating some masks. Create these for your family or reach out to your local community and see if they could use some. The New York Times shared a great article on how to make these from the comfort of your home. You can find that right here. (link) https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/31/opinion/coronavirus-n95-mask.html
- Create a community food bank/donate - A bunch of local communities have been turning those little free public libraries into food banks and we just love this idea. If you have one in your community and are able to do so, consider transforming it into a food pantry where those in need can take what they need. Don’t have one? Consider making a donation to a local food bank. When donating to your local food bank, keep in mind that local food banks will also take monetary donations and this allows them to stock up on what they need.
- Stock up, but don’t hoard - Panic buying contributes to shortages and actually creates more panic and pandemonium. Of course, make sure that your family has all the food and essentials they need for a 2-3 week period at a time to help limit the number of trips you may need to make.
- Stay calm & stay home - In a time of crisis, it is hard to stay calm. We are facing a time of uncertainty and it is okay to not be okay from time to time. Remember that we are all in this together and staying home with your loved ones is the best thing you can do to help flatten the curve. If you need some tips on managing anxiety, click here to read our Easter Blog.
Together, we will get through this. We have already seen such wonderful things that local communities have been doing to come together and to help each other. Stay connected with your loved ones to help ease the feelings of isolation. Most importantly, stay home, wash your hands and try to take a few minutes each day to relax and meditate and just be grateful. This too shall pass, we just need to work together.
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