There is so much going on in our personal lives, I know. But, unfortunately, COVID is still a menacing beast. It is getting worse, not better. People are dying. And while it is so hard to comprehend this, and while it is so hard to get out of our own bubbles, there is still a lot we can do now (safely, socially distanced) to help others through this strange time.
If we are part of those lucky enough to be fairly safe and healthy right now, it might be time to turn our attention outward. Especially as the holidays come, let’s remember the least of these. There are those who this pandemic is hitting harder than others – let’s reach out to our fellow humans with compassion and love.
Here are some ways you and your family can help others during COVID:
1- Send letters, pictures and cards to your local senior center. We have done this through an organized program, but many senior living centers will accept things unsolicited. The seniors who are isolated inside, who can only see loved ones through fences and windows, need rays of sunshine in their lives. This is a great activity for kids to participate in.
2- Donate blood and plasma. (Read their press release regarding COVID-19.) Find a blood drive in your area here.
3- Help with your local food pantry. Local really is the important part. You can have the most impact in your own community. Start here to find local food pantries.
4- Make masks, and donate them.
5- Then wear your mask when you go out! They really do help. Scientifically proven.
6- Look for ongoing virtual opportunities and get involved. Like Be My Eyes. Find out what the Boys & Girls Club near you is doing to help children in your community.
7- Find a virtual volunteer opportunity. The site idealist now has a sort function for “COVID-19” specific needs; I have always loved Volunteer Match.
8- Foster an animal. Click here to find a local shelter.
9- Salvation Army is running it’s annual Christmas Angel Tree program. This is such an important program (now more than ever) and you can search their website for opportunities near you.
10- See if local workers at clinics and hospitals could use food (donuts make anyone’s day a little better).
In the past, we shared a heartfelt post on ways to help during a natural disaster.Â
That post meant a lot to us as we, and the city we lived in and loved, was being ravaged by a Hurricane. And all of those points still apply! Think local, don’t let it be forgotten, yet let’s also find ways to think forward and learn.
As you gear up for a strange Christmas and advent season, maybe as you are looking for ways to help others as a family, we encourage you to consider these options.
And, as always, if you know of other ways we can help during this pandemic, please drop them below!