Even before the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic, many individuals were already facing problems when it came to their finances. Usually, it was due to the sudden increase in the prices of goods and services and the difficulty of finding jobs.
At present, we still notice the same pattern. However, it is getting a little more difficult than usual because of the situation. This is why federal, state, and local government officials continue to urge citizens to lend a helping hand to those in need. So, how can one get started?
Pandemic’s Effects on Society
From the food we eat, the clothes we wear, the house we live in, and more, we are able to attain all these because of money. But nowadays, not everyone has the chance to make a living for themselves and their loved ones. Of course, the pandemic has affected every sector in society.
Some companies ended up shutting down, leaving many individuals jobless. Although working from home became an option, the competition within the job-seeking market still hindered others from securing a new career. Of course, providing for one’s basic needs became the priority of the majority.
Since the pandemic is showing no signs of ending anytime soon, the current resources we now have may not be enough to compensate all the affected citizens for the months, or even years, to come. This is why it would be ideal to step up in every way you can.
Lend a Helping Hand
Nowadays, staying at home is probably one of the best things you can do to help stop the spread of the virus. Not only will you get to keep yourself and your family safe, but you would be protecting the people within your community as well. Since this gives you more time to spare, you can also think of ways on how you can give back to those in need.
Donate to a Local Charity
For instance, you can go over the clothes in your closets, pick the ones that you do not really wear, store them in a box, and donate them to a local charity. If you have the budget, you can even purchase items that you can give to a food bank, such as canned goods and rice.
Assist the Elderly and Support Local
Since there are people who are more vulnerable to the virus, you can also offer to run some errands for them every once in a while, whether they need to buy some groceries or stock up on their medicine supply. If there are small businesses nearby, you can choose to shop from there as well. In that way, you would also be able to show your support to local entrepreneurs.
Start a Community Pantry
On the days when you are free, you can reach out to the leaders of your local community. Since they need all the help they can get, you may want to offer your services. You could suggest ideas, such as starting a food donation drive or even a food hub, that may encourage other citizens to help out, especially since this would require the hard work of an entire team.
Of course, aside from having a project director, someone should also handle the budget and the everyday supply. As you raise funds, you would need to ensure that you have the proper facilities as well, from disinfecting stands, utility carts, storage racks, and so on. Fortunately, some companies, such as Lakeside, specialize in manufacturing such products. So, you may find it easier to organize the entire event.
Volunteer Your Time to Listen
Showing one’s support is also possible through emotional means. With all the uncertainties nowadays, stress and anxiety are becoming more common among individuals. So, by simply checking up on your neighbors or loved ones that are far away, you would already be doing your part in helping them cope with the situation. You may not realize it, but doing this can be a way for you to voice out your own feelings as well.
Make a Big Impact
Money is an essential part of our daily lives. But with the ongoing pandemic, making ends meet becomes a challenge for a lot of people. As a result, mental health issues start to arise as well. So, if you have the time and resources, it would be ideal to lend a hand in every way you can. Whether by donating to a local charity, assisting the elderly, supporting a small business, or even offering emotional comfort, doing these small acts could already make a huge impact on the members of society as the days pass.
