Activities You Can Do to Help!
Perhaps one of the most frustrating things about being isolated at home is not being able to get out there and help. The town of Castle Rock recently relit the Star atop the Rock as a beacon and symbol of hope in these dark times—and like this gesture, there are still many ways you can contribute and be a hopeful part of the community. Think about your unique gifts and talents and let that guide you in the ways that you help!
Check in with friends and neighbors
Take an inventory of the people around you—especially those who may be under additional stress during these times. Maybe there’s an older couple who lives on your block or a single-parent you know from your child’s school. Think about the people who may not have someone to help them right now.
Idealist.org suggests simply giving them a call or text to see if they need anything. If you are going out anyway and are able to get what they need, leave it outside their door so you will not come in contact with each other.
Use the Front Porch as a Buffer Zone
The front porch is a great place where you can safely leave and pick up objects without defying social distancing. Denverite suggests that you can pick up and drop off laundry for an elderly family member or deliver groceries. It’s also a good place to connect in person, even if it’s at a wide distance.
A CNN story about two young musicians who held an impromptu cello concert on their elderly neighbor’s porch went viral, reminding us that a short but distanced visit from the other side of the porch can break the monotony for someone who is stuck at home.
My elderly neighbor is self-isolating. So the neighbor kids are playing her a cello concert from her patio. pic.twitter.com/g6Nr2HNVho
— Jackie Borchardt (@JMBorchardt) March 16, 2020
Go to Social Media to Do Good
The Colorado Sun has published a whole list of suggestions for making a difference in the community right now, including ideas for creating Facebook pages to help. A couple of resourceful Denver women put together this Help Needed in Denver Metro COVID-19 page and have been able to connect people who need help with those who can give it.
In Castle Rock, a group of local business people and writers are offering help with job-seeking skills and writing for those who have become unemployed by COVID-19 on their Job Seeker Support group page.
Don’t Forget the Kids & Pets
Whether it’s a vulnerable person who doesn’t feel comfortable going outside or a medical worker who is working double shifts, there are people with pets who could use a little extra help right now. Consider walking their dogs or helping care for them.
With everyone at home now, kids will inevitably be telling you they are bored. Let them do something meaningful for someone else—it’s not only a good lesson in compassion, but they’ll also feel good about their ability to make a difference.
Write a Letter
Even before the coronavirus crisis, elderly people in nursing homes were often a forgotten segment of our society. Now that many of them are in isolation, they need our attention more than ever. USA Today shares the story of children who are writing letters and making cards for nursing home residents and other elderly people in isolation.
My girls are being creative today! They made cards for the nursing home and senior apartments to let the elderly know we are thinking about them. Hope others do the same thing. Just put them in a plastic bag outside the building and they will deliver them for you. pic.twitter.com/FGGQZgicUV
— sarah Halbesma (@Halbese) March 18, 2020
The Colorado Springs Brookdale Hospice will coordinate getting the letters and cards you and your children write to hospice patients and residents who are no longer able to have visitors.
Sew Masks at Home
While the effectiveness of masks for the general public has been debated, everyone agrees that medical personnel are in desperate need of them. The furloughed costume staff from the Denver Center for Performing Arts are making masks at home, and Denver Mattress Co. has also shifted a portion of their production to making masks, according to Channel 7 News.
If you would like to help in the effort, be sure you are using a pattern and materials that follow guidelines for “last resort” medical masks. Joann.com supplies all the necessary information on their webpage.
Be a Resource for Others
Sometimes the most powerful way to help is to simply be a conduit. If you come across useful information—or even just an uplifting anecdote—pass it on! This incredibly useful Resource Guide from Senior Planet is targeted information for seniors and provides everything from instructions on joining a Zoom chat to how to safely shop for groceries. Pass it on to anyone you think it would help!
Exercise Empathy
Don’t forget that everyone is experiencing this situation differently. One group that needs our empathy is teenagers—and getting inside their heads is not always easy!
The New York Times has compiled an extensive conversation about what teens all over the world are saying about the coronavirus. This article is written in the teenagers’ own words to help you better understand their POV, and you can even encourage teens in your life to participate in the conversation.
Make a Difference in Crystal Valley
You’ll feel like you’re part of a friendly neighborhood in the master-planned community of Crystal Valley! Check out the beautiful model homes from Richmond American Homes, D.R. Horton, Century Communities, and Kauffman Homes, and picture yourself in your very own dream house! With ranch and two-story models available, new homes are priced from the $300s.
