As panic continues to spread across the country, the concern over the less fortunate, as well those who are at high risk of Covid-19, continues to rise. The uncertainty and fear, however, hasn’t stopped people from stepping up; showing compassion and grace to others continues to be at the forefront of people’s day-to-day.
Here are five inspirational people who have demonstrated the power behind a simple act of kindness.
Woman Designs Postcards to Help Self-Isolating Neighbors
Becky Wass, from Falmouth, Cornwall in the United Kingdom is bringing her community together by encouraging others to look after neighbors who are self-isolating and in need of a helping hand. She and her husband designed a postcard to be printed, distributed and used as a form of communication between those willing to help and those who may need support; whether it’s picking up groceries or urgent supplies, such as the elderly or people with mobility issues. Users are encouraged to fill out the postcards with their contact information and leave them on neighbors’ doorsteps to avoid direct contact.
“Because fear has spread so quickly, it’s really important to try to spread kindness,” she told BBC News.
NBA Player Kevin Love Donates $100k to Help Support Arena Staff
One day after the NBA announced they would indefinitely suspend its season due to the rapid spread of the virus, Cleveland Cavaliers’ Kevin Love pledged $100,000 to help arena workers who have had “a sudden life shift” due to the organization’s decision. His donation will help support over a thousand workers that make up the Cavaliers’ support staff.
In an Instagram post announcing his act of kindness, Love wrote, “I encourage everyone to take care of themselves and to reach out to others in need—whether that means supporting your local charities that are canceling events, or checking in on your colleagues and family.”
Since his announcement, Love has inspired other athletes to do the same. According to Cleveland News, Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokunmpo and Detroit’s Blake Griffin have followed in Love’s footsteps. The 19-year-old Zion Williamson of the New Orleans Pelicans also announced his plans to cover all salaries for the team’s arena staff during the suspension.
Woman Volunteers to Shop for Elderly Neighbors to Prevent Their Exposure to the Coronavirus
A North Carolina woman is making the most out of her time at home by helping her elderly neighbors. Becky Hoeffler, who works at Duke University and is currently working from home, is using her hour-long lunch breaks to make grocery runs for the seniors in her community.
The idea came about during a conversation with her 91-year-old grandfather, whose trip to the grocery store raised some concerns. This prompted her to post flyers in her neighborhood, letting her neighbors know she was available to grocery shop for those who are at risk and immunocompromised.
“If you’re able to decrease, even by a little bit, the number of patients that have to seek care because they’ve been exposed to something, it’s good for the community as a whole,” she told Good News Network.
Corner Store Owner Gives Away Thousands of Dollars in Supplies to Seniors Facing Self-Isolation
A 34-year-old shop owner in Scotland is helping people over the age of 65, as well those with mobility issues, by delivering “coronavirus kits” consisting of toilet paper, antibacterial soap, tissues and anti-flammatories for their homes—free of charge. Zahid Iqbal owns the Day-Today convenience store in Drylaw, Edinburgh and has given away over one thousand kits, worth more than $6,000. Although the initiative has already cost his business thousands of dollars, he is committed to continue offering help to those who need it.
“Money can be made in the future,” he told Good News Network. “Right now we need to do our part for the community…We want to help out for as long as we can manage.”
Pennsylvania Restaurants Offer Free Lunches to Children During School Shutdown
With schools across the country continuing to close to reduce the spread of coronavirus, many children—the approximate 22 million U.S. children who depend on the National School Lunch Program’s subsidized breakfast and lunch—are left wondering where their next meal will come from. As school officials come up with plans to assist these children, Pennsylvania small businesses are stepping up to offer help.
According to The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Rocco Pifferetti, owner of Rocco’s Pizzeria in Youngwood is serving lunch menus consisting of pizza, salad and chicken tenders to anyone under the age of 18—at no cost.
Meanwhile, Patyn McCune did the same at her restaurant, Lelulu’s Pizzeria in Plum. She received donations and support from the community, such as water, milk, apple slices and carrots. McCune, who qualified for free school lunches as a child, was more than happy to help kids she strongly related to.
Other business owners, such as Eric and Julie Jones, have also opened up their doors to feed hungry children, as a way to pay the community back.
“We’ve been a member of the community for a while, and we’ve had support from them,” Eric Jones said. “So in my eyes, it’s not a big deal.”
