So many people always reached into their hearts and homes to give back to the community, especially this time of the year. Many people are alone, social distancing has led to a feeling of isolation and many are out of work, so they are without means to make a holiday in the traditional sense.
In years past, volunteerism was always a gift you could give to those in need. This year, thanks to COVID19, social distancing rules have made much of this a risk or unavailable.
So how can you give back and lift the spirits of friends and strangers?
Donate – whether you have time, a talent, or a basement filled with wonderful items you no longer need that someone else may…it is all needed and appreciated.
Problem- Joan lost her job as a waitress due to Covid restrictions. She is not getting by on unemployment and cannot afford the type of family celebration they have always had. She has no discretionary money for gifts, her children have no holiday outfits to look festive, her meal will be meager and there can be no tree as the funds just cannot stretch that far.
Possible solutions- Lisa and Karen have wonderful barely worn hand-me-down clothing that would be just the perfect size for Joan’s kids. Peter is downsizing his home and has an extra artificial tree with all the trimmings he could part with. Michael put his free Thanksgiving turkey in the freezer since he wasn’t making a big holiday dinner- he would love to find a home for it. Marsha is doubling her recipes and making extra sides to drop at Joan’s home to round out the holiday meal. Stacy and Judy’s kids are hand crafting age appropriate gifts for Joan’s kids, cool masks to stay safe and fashionable with.
Involve the family – your creative kids are driving you crazy at home so much. Sit them down at the table to make holiday greeting cards to total strangers who are isolated in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. The elderly are particularly suffering, as many have not had visits from family in so many months with no end to that in sight.
Be a Brigade- coordinate with local nursing homes and assisted living facilities and let them know you and your friends will be doing a drive-by Holiday Happening at a certain day and time. Decorate your cars in holiday themes and sing it out loud for the holidays from the parking lot. This would put smiles and songs into the lives of many who have been shut in for months.
Give blood –Social distancing is threatening the nation’s blood supply as they have not been able to do community blood drives.
Support your local food banks with donations of money or your extra non-perishables. You would be amazed at the sum of people who are doing without in these tough times.
Don’t forget about the critters- used blankets and towels make for great bedding in shelters.
Support local businesses when possible- Mom & Pop brick and mortar stores are hurting, they were shut down while Mr. Big Box was deemed essential and allowed to stay open.
Stay in touch- do routine check ins with the people in your circle. Text messaging and social media doesn’t fill the void of social interaction we are all craving. Reach out and touch someone with an old-fashioned phone call or face time.
For those of us who have always given back, you know that you receive more in good feelings than you have given. Project goodness into the world, maybe some will stick.
Be kind
Be safe
Be well
Holiday Greetings from all of us at Monmouth Health & Wellness with out best wishes for a brilliant tomorrow for all.
