How Can We Help? COVID-19
Julianne Shenk
JBS Nonprofit Consulting
March 21, 2020
How can we help? What do you need? More importantly, how are
you? How are you doing? Take a minute. Take a deep breath. Breathe.
This is a crazy time; few have seen this kind of event in their
lifetimes. Sure, we have read about it and watched it in movies and on television,
but in no one’s wildest dreams did we ever see this coming.
I have received a few messages asking for help and how to
help. Those asking FOR help were directed to an appropriate agency in their
area. Those asking TO help, where do I start?
The biggest need right now is medical supplies. Masks,
tubes, gloves, face shields, ventilators, etc. If you have any of those things,
please contact the local CDC (Center for Disease Control) in your area for
guidance. Arrangements will be made for a pick-up or drop-off if your items are
deemed suitable for use. We need for our
medical personnel (Doctors, Nurses, EMTs, Police, Fireman, etc.) to be
protected. We need them to be uncompromised to help those fighting off this
virus. They need proper equipment, they need rest and sustenance, and they need
patience and understanding. They are our front line soldiers.
There is also a group of people that need our help. Our local
restaurant owners and their staff. Many establishments are remaining open to
provide take-out and in some cases delivery. Tip them. Thank them. Consider
purchasing a gift certificate for a fellow homebound family. Consider
purchasing a gift card for your family to use at a later date.
Send a word of encouragement to your child’s teacher. Just
because they are home also self-distancing, does not mean they are not
concerned about their students. Those students that they have been nurturing
and guiding to the end of the year and graduation to the next grade. The high
school teachers that have been readying your child for graduation and off to
their next adventure. The college professor that has been helping to mold the
young adult that will graduate and take on their world in their first post
collegiate job. The Technical College instructor teaching your child important
lessons and intricate workings of their chosen path. They are thinking about
your kids. Send them a note. Have your child send them a note.
There are so many people that do not have the opportunity to
stay home. Gas station attendants, television station staff, hospital staff,
law enforcement officers, Firemen and women, EMTs. airport personnel, Pharmacists,
pharmacy staff, grocery store staff, delivery drivers, mail carriers, restaurant
staff, post office staff….do you get the picture?
Drive by and wave at the residents of the local nursing home.
You can call ahead and ask when a good time is. Facilities all over the US are
arranging to have their residents in the windows for folks to drive by and honk
and wave. It is so lovely seeing the stories on the news of this happening….especially
the smiles on their faces when little children give them a wave and blow a
kiss.
I know I have only touched on a few concerns and am not
leaving any group of people out intentionally. These are just a few examples.
Feel free to add any groups you would like to highlight and honor in the
comments.
Watching your favorite local and National news will keep you
informed. Please do not support or perpetuate the rumor mill. There are answers
out there. If it sounds outrageous, it usually is. Research it. This is a
dangerous time and taking the time to do a little research is warranted and
just plain smart.
Be smart.
Be kind.
…and wash your hands.
CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
