Home + Helping

Simple ways to help your community as you quarantine.

By practicing social distancing, you’re helping to flatten the curve, or the increased demand at hospitals, and doing what’s best for the community. If you’re looking for even more ways to contribute, there are some things you can do without leaving your house (and sometimes even your couch!). Here are a few ideas.

Feed the Heroes

Hospital workers and first responders are spending weeks away from home on the front lines. Show them your appreciation by sending a meal their way: Call your local hospital to get the best time for a meal, and then touch base with a local restaurant to coordinate a delivery (bonus: you’ll also be helping your neighborhood businesses as well!). These tired and hungry heroes will be grateful that they’re being thought of—and happy to eat! Possible supplies: Your phone and your favorite takeout menu!

Send Some Love

The quarantine means that seniors living in assisted living facilities are not able to get visits from family and loved ones, which can leave them feeling disconnected. Reach out to homes in your area and ask if there’s a senior who would like a correspondence buddy, and then write them letters! Get kids involved by creating crafts that can be sent along as well. Possible supplies: Stationary, envelopes.

Stationary starting at $1.99

Make a Mask

If you’ve got sewing skills, you can contribute to the cause right from your couch! Find a pattern online and sew masks for people in your community. While handmade masks aren’t medically approved, they can help those people delivering groceries and in performing other services to get some level of protection. And bonus points for a cool fabric choices!

Give a Cheer

Cities around the world are establishing designated cheer times to applaud the heroic work of medical professionals and first responders. Consider doing the same in your community—simply cheering from your doorway at a certain time daily. Or, create a sign to hang in your window or leave a flameless candle burning in their honor. You’ll be surprised what a little morale boost can do—for everyone. Possible supplies: Flameless candle, crayons, construction paper, markers.

Crayons starting at $1

Share Your Talent

Take a video of yourself reading a children’s book, teaching a skill, or telling a joke and then share it online for friends, family, and anyone who’s watching. Your efforts can give overtaxed parents a break, or just help someone out there feel a little less isolated.