The coronavirus pandemic is testing us. Small acts of kindness, donations can go long way

The coronavirus pandemic hit close to home when our neighbors across the street fell ill. After the husband tested positive, he was admitted to a hospital for several days, where they drained about a liter and a half of fluid off his lungs. His wife also tested positive, but had less severe symptoms and quarantined at home. Both neighbors are now recovered, albeit with some lingering effects from their illness. My wife reached out to them with a bouquet of flowers and offered our assistance should they need it.

In an era of social distancing, it is still important to connect with our neighbors, both close and far, and to reach out to those in need. We need to remember that we are in this pandemic together, and together we will get out of it. In this critical moment, all of us can offer our support to organizations and groups at the forefront of the fight against COVID-19. Our community needs us to adapt and create change in innovative ways that can help us overcome this difficult period. We need to realize that our acts of caring, no matter how big or small, can be positive and impactful. In fact, I will argue that it is the little acts done consistently that can bring about the most impact in the long run.

The first thing everyone can do is realize that the spread of COVID-19 outbreaks can be prevented by avoiding the so-called three C’s: closed spaces with poor ventilation, crowded places with many people nearby, and close-contact settings such as close-range conversations. Thus, the key measure for preventing outbreaks of COVID-19 is the avoidance of clusters. The risk of clusters increases dramatically when the three C’s overlap, as in a bar setting, for example. In addition to the three C’s, items used by multiple people must be disinfected regularly.

A micro-action that can have a huge impact in combating hunger is to make a small donation at the grocery checkout every time you shop. Food banks are struggling to keep up with the increasing demand for goods. Many of them have partnered with grocery stores to collect donations ranging from $1 to $5. If every shopper pitched in a dollar every time they shopped, food banks would not need to make desperate calls for help these days.

Many restaurants in the Treasure Valley have closed or do not serve dine-in customers. Instead, some of them have converted their operations through takeout and delivery. If you have a couple of favorite restaurants, you can help them keep afloat during this pandemic by regularly ordering food from them. Please remember to tip generously even though you are not getting the same service as when you are dining in. Your largesse will allow the restaurants to keep their staff employed until better days return.

Hospitals are facing blood shortages because fewer people are donating blood. Donating blood is literally a gift of life. While we have been warned against nonessential errands, the Red Cross and other blood banks have remained open, with safety precautions in place.

We also need to remember that we can donate without necessarily spending money. If you have excess food in your pantry, you can organize a food drive or participate in one to collect nonperishable foods that can help a food bank or a homeless shelter. You can also donate clothing, personal protective equipment (PPE), and hard-to-find supplies such as toilet paper, paper towels and hand sanitizer. You can donate old computers and books to schools.

Lastly, I would like to remind everyone to spread as much kindness around them as possible. It does make the world a better place. You could start within your own neighborhood by getting to know your neighbors better. When you are taking a daily walk through a park, remember to say hello and smile at others walking by or across the street. Small acts of kindness go a long way and provide a moral lift that we are not alone in this crisis.

It is easy to feel overwhelmed and powerless during this pandemic, but you can make a difference within your own circle of influence. Remember that small acts of kindness and charity go a long way. As I have written many times before, we need to practice the golden and silver rules more often in our life. These rules are key to our survival during this pandemic.