Many are starting to re-enter the world, and things are certainly looking different than they did a year ago. At least in my world, stores have closed, skeleton crews are working as jobs are cut, school buses remain a rarity, and in general, we are reeling from the effects of the pandemic in ways we had not really imagined. I am being candid, it is scary. The changes go far beyond our personal health, and my assumption is that masks and social distancing will be part of us for a long time to come. We will be discussing our vaccine status and what variant is in our neighborhood as each season passes into the next.
As we lament the losses, and there are tragedies enough to go around, I believe we must look to what we can do to help those in need, those the crisis has impacted financially, as we never have before. Donating to fundraisers for natural disasters and the like gain attention from celebrities and athletic figures. “Dial and donate” while being entertained is wonderful, and as Americans, we do that so well. But I am talking about reaching out in our own communities to those who are truly struggling.
Many of us live in upscale communities that are weathering the storm of closed businesses and the like, but perhaps only a few miles away, children are going to bed hungry. Moms are unable to work, enacting the role of teacher, often without the technical support necessary. Food lines are longer than ever, and donations are slower and less forthcoming. It feels as if there is need around every corner, because there is.
Our religious center has a Civic Engagement Committee led by a dynamic and motivating leader and we are proudly providing. We have mapped out a calendar so that one month we will collect necessities for one community, and then the following month, for another community. Some need cleaning supplies, while some need socks and art supplies. If you or your group are interested in doing what we are, here are a few tips:
- Ask the person in charge (that may be the principal of the school or the nurse in the building) what will be most helpful. There is a family saying that “it helps to bring someone what they need…not a fantastic chocolate cake if they are on the desert and need water.” Both are given with heart, but one has the potential to be salvation.
- Name a leader from your group on each project, so those donating will know which community is receiving which item. There may be crossover, but that is fine. Many donors will want to buy in bulk to make their donation more cost-effective.
- Take inventory of requested items. Perhaps you/your group cannot provide everything requested, but you can provide some. For example, if the need is for cleaning supplies, each member of the team buying a container of detergent will make a huge difference. Next time, perhaps paper towels.
- Do not worry about bagging or wrapping donations, just bring them! For Valentine’s Day, we donated 200 goody bags to children who were food-insecure, so bagging them was important, but when it comes to supplies, just getting them to those in need is the key.
- When donating food, we try to include healthy food, oral care products, fruit. For Valentine’s Day we had candy in the bags, but included toothbrush and toothpaste, as well as organic applesauce. These items are not terribly expensive when bought in bulk, and are extremely meaningful.
- Samples of cosmetics, perfumes, shampoo and other beauty items are wonderful for women who are so strapped with family needs, they cannot take care of their own. Imagine the pleasure of a new facial cream or fragrance at this time of austerity!
Final word: just open your heart and it will be greatly appreciated. These are extremely difficult times, and it appears times will be difficult for a long time. It feels better than I can express to make a difference in someone’s life. “Charity may begin at home,” but believe me, the need does not end there!