While the pandemic affects health and life itself, it is important not to overlook the mental health and emotional costs involved with fear, worry and social distancing.
I will take a brief step back to make my message both clear and crucial: My daughter amazed me. Before the pandemic, she visited hospitals every week and did a great deal of in-person charitable work including making food at home to feed the homeless. That leaves me thinking about what we can all do from home. There are so many opportunities that use our skills. They include reading, sewing, helping with the understanding of finances or research.
Check our "Create the Bowl," AARP.org, opportunities to monitor disadvantaged children through the Fresh Air Fund. We can help others with homework or filling out college admission forms. Career Village is also looking for people to give career advice to high school students. One can also work with Parents Anonymous to take calls from teens and parents who are under stress. We can also participate in or lead a virtual interactive class.
Go to SmileCard.org where you can make and send cards to seniors who are residents at senior centers. Find VolunteerMatch.org, Nonfrofits.org to find ways of giving back while you remain safe.
You will find that giving to others will be helpful to you as well. As Anne Frank had said, "No one has ever become poor by giving," Only by giving are you able to receive more than you already have. I have often heard that good people are like candles; they burn themselves up to give others light,