During times like the pandemic, humanity often presents the best picture of itself. There have been reports on TV about people going out of their way and taking the extra mile to help one another. That’s an important thing to have, especially when people around you seem hopeless about the current situation.
You might be wondering how you can show this support. There are many ways to make yourself a contributor to the community. Some people can offer free piano lessons for those who can’t afford them. Time is of the essence right now, and it is an essential resource in demand right now. People who can offer it are doing a great deal of help to the community.
That’s just one of the many things you can do to give back to your community, but this isn’t the only way to do that. Here are a few ideas to set you off on the right path to giving back to the people.
Keep the Donations Coming, However Small
Donations don’t have to be big to mean something. Any amount helps, especially in a time like the pandemic. The thing is how to do it so that you can do it often.
Some follow the “give $5” method. The trick is to make a $5 donation wherever there is a box or some collection. It might not look big, but for struggling food banks and other charitable institutions struggling to stay afloat during the pandemic, $5 is already a big amount.
If you don’t have money to spare from your budget, why not consider giving some of your time and attention? Even something as simple as flashing a smile or waving to people that passes you on the street can be big in a time like right now.
Make Your Money Move
In the pandemic, people aren’t allowed to travel at all. Some states still have shelter-in-place orders, and there are places where people aren’t allowed to go, even to local parks and markets. If you’re working from home, there’s a way for you to use your travel money.
Like what people are doing with the donations to food banks and charitable institutions, you can use your travel money to help people. Find organizations that maintain art, feed and clothe the homeless, etc. Where your help is needed, and the money you use for travel is valuable. Try your best to give your travel budget to them instead if you’re working remotely.
Say Hi but Keep Your Distance
On a good day, you might see people walking around on your street. They may not be going anywhere or may just be soaking up the sun. If you see them, don’t be a stranger. You don’t need to be in near contact with them to be friendly. A simple ‘hi’ will do.
The same goes for people walking their pets or exercising. It has many benefits, mainly maintaining contact with people from your immediate neighborhood. It’s important not to forget your human connection, even if you’re a good distance away from each other.
Maintain Responsibility
The laws that are currently in place regarding safety protocols, as well as social distancing, are there to keep people safe. If you’re not doing it yet, be more mindful of guidelines, be it federal, state, or local. The aim should be to keep COVID-19 from spreading and keep other people free of the risk of getting the virus.
This responsibility extends beyond just staying at home and keeping away from people. It also means reporting it when you feel sick and being mindful of the other ordinances and orders that the government has announced.
Donate Your Time and Effort
If you’re not too keen on parting with your cash—which is understandable, given the circumstances—you can volunteer to organizations instead. Some do market runs for the elderly and people who can’t go out of their apartment. There are also organizations like Meals on Wheels America that are always on the lookout for more help—more so during this time.
If you have an organization within your nearest vicinity that is packing food or clothing for those people heaviest hit by the pandemic, you can go there and help. Just remember to be responsible enough to keep your distance from other volunteers.
During this time, it isn’t really that hard to find something to do to help. All you have to possess is the heart to help your neighbor in which way you can, and you’re all set.
