These are trying times. We’re isolated, in quarantine, and (now) “physically distancing” ourselves from one another. As humans, we know that this, in itself, can cause stress and anxiety in an already stressful and anxious world. So, what can we do to still engage in positive interactions? How can we still connect with each other without actually being together? How can we make a difference in a time when our world needs their “village” more than ever?
I find the answer to all of these questions can be summed up best through the words of Mister Rogers. He often quoted his mother as saying, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.”
All around this great country, and thanks to social media, we can find stories of people doing their part to impact the greater good. But what I found even more impressive, were the number of stories I’ve read of kids doing their part to make a difference. It’s quite easy these days to focus in on the things that are going wrong, but I hope these stories provide a bit of hope, encouragement, and reassurance that we will get through this together.
Shaivi
Shaivi, 15 from Rancho Santo Margarita, CA is making sanitation kits for homeless shelters in her county. So far, she has donated over 500 kits and has raised over $18.000. Other states are reaching out to Shaivi to continue to spread the kindness by making sanitation kits in their area. Not only is she doing the work, but she is inspiring others as well.
Belle
Belle, 14 from New Orleans, LA is sewing masks for ER workers in her area. She recognized a need in her local hospitals, and put her skills to use when it was needed most.
Rio and Hannah
Rio, 17 and Hannah, 21 from Rochester, MN, started a platform called Step Up to Sit, where they pair up student babysitters with health care workers who need child care while they are working in hospitals. Since high school students weren’t able to attend class and wanted to step up in some way to help out, this platform pairs those students with these families to provide their children with the care they need. These students are fulfilling a need within their community so that their parents can be on the front line working to save lives.
Dominic
Dominic, 7 from Houston, TX who is selling his paintings to raise money for his local food bank. He had a concern about kids in his community who may not be getting lunch because they weren’t able to attend school. Dominic has raised enough money to provide 19,000 meals to kids who need them most.
Hailey
Hailey, 15, from Illinois, wanted to do something that would show appreciation for all the people working to keep us healthy. She organized a card-making campaign among her classmates that delivered over 100 thank you messages to nurses and other first responders.
Eliana and Sam
Eliana, 12, and Sam, 11, have been making cards for hospital patients at the hospital where their mom works for several years now. So when the COVID-19 crisis started, and patients were being admitted without family next to them for support, they felt their work was needed now more than ever. They used their creativity to send messages of hope digitally. They created digital get well cards that their mom shares with her patients. Eliana said, “If I got sick and was stuck in the hospital, I would feel really lonely. I want to help people who feel like that.”
As we go through this together, consider being a good neighbor by helping out your community. Remember to look for the helpers, and consider taking it a step further by encouraging your children to take action. Through positive attitudes we can promote change, and by finding the helpers and sharing their stories, we can inspire others to do the same.