50 Ways to Help One Another Now

When things seem like they are falling apart, let’s work to put them back together.  Here are 50 Ways to Help One Another Now!

When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers.  you will always find people who are helping.’ – Fred Rogers

CURRENT CRISIS

At this time, we are knee-deep in a global health crisis.  It’s a historic event and we are all in uncharted territory which can cause a lot of uncertainty. 

One of the best ways to combat some of that uneasiness is to help others.

Did you know that when you help others, you help yourself? 

Research has found many examples of how doing good, in ways big or small, not only feels good, but also does us good. For instance, the well-being-boosting and depression-lowering benefits of volunteering have been repeatedly documented. As has the sense of meaning and purpose that often accompanies altruistic behavior. Even when it comes to money, spending it on others predicts increases in happiness compared to spending it on ourselves. Moreover, there is now neural evidence from fMRI studies suggesting a link between generosity and happiness. –Psychology Today

I know this to be true in my own life.  Whenever I look at helping others it makes me feel good and gets my mind to worry less and focus less on myself.

So what can we do right now?

My first suggestion is to start local.  Get a reliable source of information and see how you can help those in your immediate community.  A local news channel or charity can be a great place to get information on your area’s needs.  

In the meantime, we have gathered some of the recommendations that have been found from health care workers to small businesses and a lot in between.  If you know of any that you feel are appropriate, feel free to leave them in the comments below.

50 Ways to Help One Another Now

BASIC IDEAS

There are some standard ideas that are common to most any crisis:

• Donate to a trusted charity
• Donate blood
• Volunteer (if allowed)

Now here are some more specific ideas:

FOOD BANKS

• Donate Financially – Feeding America is a large national program helping with drive-thru pantries and emergency food boxes, to name a few.  And don’t forget your local agencies.
• Volunteer – Yes, some agencies are still in need of volunteers as some no longer are able or want to.
• Donate Food – Generally, non-perishable foods with an emphasis on non-perishable meat proteins are helpful.

HELPING A SMALL BUSINESS

• Purchase a gift card to a local business.
• Buy from a maker on ETSY, our affiliate link
• If you employ a dog walker, house cleaner, yard person, etc provide some income from them if you are able.
• Shop locally
• Leave a positive review on a small business social media account
• Share their posts on social media (Did you know we are a small business and a share helps our little business too?)
• Generously tip
• Order takeout
• Put together a list of small businesses that are open in your area and send it out via social media.
• Shop CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) and/or farmer’s markets

HELP ELDERLY

Seniors are at great risk.  Consider these ideas to help seniors in your neighborhood, community, or nationwide.

• Check-in on elderly neighbors by phone.
• Donate to Meals on Wheels America
• Send food to them
• Offer to pick up groceries/supplies.
• Have an old fashioned phone conversation
• Video chat
• Educate them on symptoms
• Food delivery services
• Make a care package of things to do (puzzles, food, books, basic supplies, etc)
• Send a Fidget Sleeve (affiliate link) to help deal with anxiety

HEALTH CARE WORKERS/HOSPITALS

• Walk their animals
• FEED THEM  – Order take out, food delivery service, or give them a gift card.
• Listen to their recommendations of public health guidelines
• Donate – Check your local hospital website for additional info on needs.  Our local hospitals are asking for:

  – latex-free gloves

  – procedural masks

  – surgical masks

  – N95 respirators and N95 filters

  – other respirators (P100s, PAPRs, and PAPR supplies/parts)

  – face shields

  – splash shields

  – gowns

  – hand sanitizer

  – disinfecting wipe

• Sew masks
• Join the #heartsforheathcareworkers movement. Put a heart on your door, mailbox, or in your window to show healthcare workers and support staff that their community is here for them. It’s an encouraging way to keep their spirits high during this trying time and is social distance approved! It also makes for a fun arts and crafts activity with the kids.  Be sure to take a photo of your hearts and use the hashtag.

CHILDREN & FAMILIES

• Adopt a Family.  Pick a family who may need some assistance so you can help provide some supplies, crafts, food, etc.
• Donate to your local church to help with needy families in your area.
• First Book – First Book is working to deploy over 7 million books across the country to kids who don’t have internet access or home libraries.
• Watch for signs of abuse.  Most child abuse is caught outside the home. With kids out of school, sports, and even friend’s homes it can make for a dangerous situation.  Not to mention families dealing with financial stress, hunger, and reduction in mental health services.  Look for signs of abuse in children you see.
• Help a College Student – If you live by a college or university, check to see if they have any kids still on campus that may need food.  Outside of this current situation, did you know that some schools offer a food pantry for college students who may not have enough to eat?

AND MORE IDEAS…

• Foster Animals – Animals get dropped off for a variety of reasons and now the centers are not able to function in the same way.  Fostering allows the animal to have a home until they can get adopted.
• Build a lending library for books or pantry needs in your neighborhood.
• Donations of baby formula, wipes, and sanitary supplies are needed.
• Don’t purchase masks unless you have to have to.
• Prisoners are often overlooked but right now most can’t have visitors or groups that come in to help encourage and give support to someone who may need it to change their life.   You can send faith-based materials via Prison Fellowship to help encourage a prisoner.  
• Don’t Hoard!!!
• Say thank you to those who are risking their health to serve you.
• Donate to animal shelters
• Create a designated help group for your area so people can post opportunities and needs in the area.
• Continue Tithing – Churches not only hold services but a solid faith community is constantly helping those in need. Unfortunately, sometimes donations are out of sight, out of mind.  This could be a potential financial blow to churches. Sign up for auto-withdrawal so it doesn’t slip your mind and they can continue helping those in need.
• Anxiety and depression are in full force.  Make regular contact with people you know who may be struggling.  
• Post on Social Media – Let’s face it, there is a LOT of scary info out there.  In fact, while researching info for this article it was easy to find information on problems but not as easy to find details on what TO DO.  Commit your social media wall to solutions and help.
• Finally, WASH YOUR HANDS!!!!

NOTES

Not all ideas may work in your area.  We also realize there are some charities people have issues with, the masks have been a debate, people feel a need to explain why they purchase what they do and so on.  We feel the debates are best left for Facebook.  If you know something is completely wrong, please bring it to our attention otherwise this is a place where we can do one thing – HELP.  Make sure your information is helpful.

Here is more info from the CDC on how to protect yourself.

Thanks for stopping by today.  Our goal is to help make the most with whatever you have by sharing budget-friendly, time-saving, and reusing/DIY ideas for all parts of your home and life.  If you enjoyed this post on 50 Ways to Help One Another Now, we would appreciate a share on any social media: Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest.  Plus, don’t forget to follow us as we share even more ideas on each account.

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