Making a Difference in Quarantine

Since the Stay at Home order given a few weeks ago, many of us are having to find ways to spend our time. Some of us, are using that time to make a positive difference in our communities. Many people are making homemade masks for their friends and family; some are selling masks and donating the proceeds to various causes.

Gail Lewis of Mount Vernon, Washington has taken a different approach. In the earliest days of Covid-19, her community was hit with one of the first cluster outbreaks when 60 people got together for choir practice, including 1 asymptomatic participant. Eventually, more than 40 members of the choir were diagnosed with Covid-19 and 2 died. Usually a busy realtor, Lewis dusted off her sewing machine for a personal Sew Something Good campaign. She has been making and selling aprons, all proceeds going to charities helping those affected by Covid-19. To date, she has donated more than $2000 with just the support of friends and family.

While there are many celebrities using their fame for good causes, one of our favorites is John Krazinki’s new online “show” called SomeGood News where he shares GOOD news from around the globe and his fans. With all the negative and depressing news, we love his optimism and a window to see some of the good happening all around us. 

Another fruit that has blossomed from the bitter quarantine tree is Rachel Bell’s Cooking in Quarantine campaign on Instagram. We are all doing a lot more cooking at home…and needing to do a lot more cooking at home…so it’s great to see what people are creating in their kitchens. Who doesn’t need more meal ideas during this time?

Local radio stations are also trying to make a difference with campaigns like Letters For Hope where the public can write letters to elderly neighbors in lock down in retirement homes, most unable to even leave their rooms. These letters can be addressed (or emailed) to radio stations and the station will make sure they get where they are needed.

These are just a few of the ways individuals and communities are showing we are all in this together! What are some of the ways you’ve seen your friends and neighbors show up?