WiNK
This has been the end of the fourth week home for us here at Wooster and we are starting to really settle into our new reality. During this time of uncertainty and change, it can be hard to just stay at home and not be able to do all the things you'd rather be doing. What can make it even more frustrating is that the enormous size of this situation makes it seem like we, as everyday people are powerless. Even though we might not have healthcare experience or not be an "essential worker" there are still things we can do to help.
By far the most important thing we can do is stay home. Everyone has heard this over and over again, but it really is the most important action you can take. It can be so frustrating to not be able to go anywhere or see your friends but if we want this to be over sooner, we have to distance ourselves from others. There are lots of reports saying that young people aren't at risk for having a serious case of COVID-19, but young people can still be infected and have a "mild" case. A "mild" case of this virus can feel like a case of the flu, which is never fun. Even more importantly, by social distancing you are protecting the people who are at risk. When you stay home you are protecting your family members and the family members of your friends and even of strangers. Everyone has heard this already, but it is the most important thing we can do right now.
If you want to do more than just stay at home, there are other ways you can help. Many organizations are right now trying to solve all sorts of problems during this pandemic. Feeding America is a vital organization that is under more strain now than it ever has been. This is a result of many things: kids who usually get free breakfasts and lunches from school no longer receiving that service, millions of people who are suddenly unemployed, and supermarkets that usually donate millions of pounds of food every week suddenly have nothing to spare. Any donation, even as small as a dollar or two, can be turned into several meals for people in need. Another organization who is doing a similar thing is the COVID-19 Response Fund, founded by the World Health Organization, which is sending desperately needed supplies and resources to the people on the front lines of the pandemic. The links for these charities will be below.
In some towns, the social services department is desperately trying to get volunteers who are capable of delivering groceries to people who can't currently leave their houses. Each town is different and if you're interested in volunteering, contact your local head of social services. This time is also really tough for local businesses. Paying the bills of small, local restaurants and shops is nearly impossible right now. By buying a gift card, many places have these online, you are giving those businesses some profit right now that they desperately need. Then when everything is back to normal, you can redeem this for a product or a nice dinner.
Another way to help is to reach out to people. If you know anyone that lost their job because of the pandemic, offer to drop off some food. If you know someone who's really anxious about the current state of everything, offer to be there and talk to them, even if it's only from a distance. If you know any health-care workers that have to face this virus every day, reach out and ask if they need anything from food to childcare or just someone to share their day with. Write a thank-you note to your mail-man or delivery driver or grocery store worker saying how much you appreciate that they're working even through the increased workload and unease. If you know any parents who are now stuck in their homes having to take care of young kids, reach out and see if they could use any help. There are so many people right now who are struggling and just by letting them know that you're thinking of them can really make a difference.
These donations or actions really don't have to be much. By just pooling the money that you would normally spend on gas or coffee or other usual expenses, you can really help people. A small note can just make someone's day right now. Even though there are so many things that are out of our control right now, by contributing to the things that we can change, we can all make a positive impact.
Links to charities that really need help right now: