It seems like many of us are trying to find ways to do things for others during our current crisis. While there are plenty of reasons to despair, as the late, great Mister Rogers infamously said, “look for the helpers”. The truth is, though, that when Mister Rogers said those famous lines, he was speaking to children. He was telling young children to look to adults, to those who were helping. Which means we must be the helpers. It is a call to action to us, to offer help when we can.
So how can you help your community, especially children, who are the most vulnerable in times of need. There are lots of ways to help, but we’ve outlined a few below that can act as a good jumping off point if you’re looking to provide assistance right now.
Local Food Banks and Shelters
Local food banks and shelters are always in need of help, not just during a pandemic. But right now, with so many out of work, sick and in need of extra resources, it’s a better time than ever to give what you can to your local food banks and shelters. Children are one of the largest groups that these resources seek to help. Whether you donate money, your time or food items, every contribution would be greatly appreciated.
You can also organize a drop-off or donation event to encourage other members of your community to donate food items or money to local food banks and food charities. Together you can accumulate so much more that will go to a hungry child or family in need. With social distancing, many of these charities aren’t seeing as many donations as usual, so reminding people to give during these times is paramount.
Sponsor a Child
Sponsoring a child is a great way to help someone with a financial contribution, no matter how big or small. Whether you sponsor an orphan child, a child living in poverty, mentor a child on the local level or something else entirely, you are helping a vulnerable little person live a better life.
Support Local Schools
Many schools are dealing with how to teach remotely and keep up with their students’ educational and emotional needs while also figuring out how to navigate unchartered territory, only furthering our belief that teachers are truly heroes. Many schools are also offering free breakfasts and lunches so the marginalized students in their community don’t have to go hungry.
Considering volunteering your time or some money in assisting your local schools with these efforts. Reach out to administrators or the school board to see how you can best help the school in this time of need. They will welcome your help.
Children’s Charities
There are many charities that focus on children’s healthcare needs as well as other needs that are around. Choose the charity you prefer and make a donation if you can afford to. These charities will make sure to delegate those funds to the children who need it the most. If you can’t afford a large donation, just amplifying the charity to friends and family is very helpful.
Help on the Local Level
Taking the time to cook some meals and deliver them via doorstep, offering to make essential trips for parents with health issues or children to take care of, and even just calling or emailing to check in with friends who have young children can all help with the stress and isolation everyone is feeling. Children especially are feeling sad, anxious and scared in this uncertain time. Check in with the kids in your life, as well as those who live near you, to make sure they are feeling okay. Add a little cheer when necessary.
Consider sewing masks with fun patterns for the kids you know, recording a reading or a musical video on youtube to help entertain, or even write a letter and start an old-school style pen pal exchange with a child in your life.
Children are among the most vulnerable members of our community, and often they are overlooked in times of crisis. Do what you can to help the children in your area and around the world by considering giving to charity, donating your time, sponsoring a child or even just doing something nice for a child in your area. Even the smallest kind contributions can make an entire world of difference to a kid.
