“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” – Fred Rogers
The world feels a little scary right now. So many of us are exhausted by the fear surrounding COVID-19. All the chaos and confusion can leave us feeling helpless and at a loss as to what to do. It is times like this that we can turn to the famous Fred Rogers quote and take it one step further. Instead of just looking for the helpers, we can be the helpers!
Many of us are doing our part to care for our neighbors by social-distancing to “flatten the curve” and protect the most vulnerable around us, the elderly, chronically ill, and those with pre-existing conditions that make them the most at risk and susceptible to COVID-19. At the same time, there are many who are on the front lines making sure that medical facilitates are staffed, grocery store shelves are stocked, and our packages are delivered.
We want to encourage you to spread a little joy in scary times.
Here are a few suggestions to shower your fellow humans with a little love:
- Buy gift cards to your favorite local eateries to be used when they reopen
- FaceTime or Skype elderly relatives who you are unable to visit
- Text or call your health care professional friend and family to thank them
- Give a Starbucks gift card to your grocery cashier
- Place a box of snacks and drinks on your porch for delivery workers
- Smile and wave at your neighbors when you pass them on walks
- A simple “thank-you” goes a long way!
- Leave a baked good on a friend’s doorstep
- When buying groceries take note of items that are labeled “WIC” and choose other options so that WIC families are able to get the items they need
- Stay home when you can
- Pre-pay for your next haircut or color
- Have kids color pictures and make cards to be sent to nursing home residents
- Buy only what you need from the grocery store – don’t hoard
- Donate money to organizations ensuring that kids out of school still have access to food
- Check-in on your people – schedule Facetime chats, calls, and texts throughout the day
- Share good news on social media
- Make extra dinner and leave it on your neighbors’ doorstep
- Tip well – especially for food delivery or pick-up
- Attend activities virtually during COVID-19 – church, 12 step meetings, business calls, etc.
- Be kind. Plain and simple, we could all use a little extra kindness right now.
What would you add to this list?
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Thank you for this wonderful guidance.
I read a post recently that was helpful in regards to those neighbors who may be elderly or with other limitations causing need for assistance from time to time. Assuming you or a few close neighbors would respond to a need, and if the neighborhood was basically safe. Give the neighbor 1 each of a red, yellow and a green sheet of paper. Ask them to place the green one in an easy to see window if all is well at home. A yellow one means they have a need but not urgent or crisis. Red urgent assistance is needed. Many folks walk there dogs and themselves daily and this allows a community to respond.