This virus has been disruptive to all of our lives. Shutting down schools & businesses, social distancing from those we love, to an overall sense of unease. I know there are tons of charities and endless ways to help, but I’ve rounded up 5 different ways to help your community, and spread joy not germs, in this time of crisis.
Save the Children & No Kid Hungry
For me, I am extremely lucky to be able to work from home with limited impact on my financials. This is not the case for everyone. There are children and families who rely on going to school to receive their next meal. Jennifer Garner & Amy Adams have paired up with Save the Children and No Kid Hungry to make sure these families are still supported. Click here to learn more and to make a donation.
Virtually adopt a pet with Villalobos Rescue
Pit Bulls & Parolees has always been a favorite show of mine. Not to be dramatic, but I literally cry at every. Single. Episode. They heavily rely on profits from their television show, small retail store & restaurant. With the nation safely practicing social distancing, all of these things have come to a halt. They are struggling. An extremely fun program they have, is to virtually adopt a pup. You get to choose a pup, and set the monthly donation amount ranging from $10 to $100. If you have extra disposable income right now, this would be a great activity for the family to virtually pick out a pup, and support a fantastic organization.
Support your local businesses – Shop & Share Small.
I know shopping is the last thing on a lot of people’s minds. Small businesses are struggling. They rely heavily on marginal profits, and events to promote their businesses. If you are going to pick up food one night instead of cook, choose to carry out from a local restaurant rather than a large franchise. Purchase gift cards to use at a later date to help them get through this time. If you cannot afford to support your local businesses, share them! It costs nothing to share their posts on social media, recommend them to a friend, or leave a positive review.
Foster a pet
Living alone through this quarantine? Well, Animal Shelters are filling up. Did you know you can foster a pet with absolutely no cost to you? When you foster, you bring a loving pet into your home, and the rescue/shelter will provide everything he or she needs. You will be making a huge impact in this pet’s life, and will have a companion to help you get through social distancing. I know I would be going insane without Bendel by my side.
Send a Postcard or Pick up the Phone
There is no denying the physical impact this has had. But what about our nation’s mental health? The stress, anxiety, and loneliness of this situation is taking its toll on everyone. Pick up the phone and call your relatives, call a friend you know lives alone, write a postcard to your grandma so she has something to smile about and hang on her fridge. These small acts of human interaction and kindness will make a HUGE impact. We are all in this together, and knowing there is someone to talk to and connect with can make a huge difference. Let’s actually utilize the good in technology.
Happy Social Distancing! Make sure to tell me how you “spread joy not germs”!
