When times get tough, one way to find a light amid the chaos or darkness that you feel yourself surrounded by is to look up and out rather than back in on yourself. To do this, you may want to try serving those around you. But amid the global pandemic, serving others has become a little more complicated than it has been in the past.
Without coming into close contact with others, you still can find ways that you can be of service to them. To help you see how this can be possible, here are three ways you can serve others amid COVID-19.
Reach Out To Those Who Live Alone
People who really need a lot of outreach during this time of isolation are those who live alone. Whether it’s your relative who’s living in an assisted living facility or your friend who lives by themself, it can be a great service to reach out to that person in order to make sure that they’re okay and are getting the things that they need.
According to Nick Young, a contributor to GreenPeace, it’s now easier than ever to reach out to someone without actually having to see them in person. You can use social media to check in with them, have a call or video chat where you can talk to them in real time, or even send them cards or other care packages so that they can have something physical to hold onto as a reminder that someone out there cares about them or is thinking about them.
Support Local Businesses
Another way you can serve others during this time of the global pandemic is to help support those who are struggling with their small local businesses.
If you’re able to spend your money in this way, Courtney Vinopal, a contributor to PBS.org, recommends that you try to concentrate your dollars on local businesses that employ people who work in low-wage jobs. These are the businesses and the workers who are going to be having the hardest times financially with all of the changes taking place with the economy and in the workforce. So if you can afford to help, this could be a great way to offer some service.
Donate To Those Less Fortunate
It’s not only your money that you can spend as a way to serve others at this time. So many people need more than just actual money to help them get by. And if you take the time to find out what people in your area are needing, could donate those items as a form of service.
Amanda Arnold, a contributor to The Cut, shares that you could start by donating food to your local food bank. And if there are any other pressing needs in your area, you can try to find a way to donate those items as well, or donate your time to helping those who are already seeking a solution.
If you’re wanting to help those in your local community during this COVID pandemic, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you find ways to do so.