3 Simple Ways To Help Your Community
During this time of uncertainty, many of us have feelings of anxiety, stress and even boredom from too much time spent indoors. While these are all normal feelings, one of the best ways to combat them is by helping others. Giving back not only helps others less fortunate in dealing with this pandemic, but it also helps to combat the negative feelings in our own lives. While we may not be in a position to help as much as we like, here are a few simple ways you can help others in your community.
Messages of Hope
Many of us are getting into the habit of going for an evening walk around our neighborhoods with our families. Not only is this a great exercise, but it also models healthy ways to relieve stress for our families, and gives us a chance to interact with neighbors (at a safe distance, of course). Some families are turning the walk into a scavenger hunt, searching for cats in windows, different color shutters or cars, and other likely items to find. One way to give back is to have your family create a message of hope or inspiring images on your sidewalk. Using sidewalk chalk or even homemade sidewalk paint, your children can spend an hour or two in the fresh air drawing rainbows and writing simple messages to encourage other families on their evening walks.
Deliver Treats
Our first responders perform acts of heroism every day, but during this pandemic, they are at an increased risk. Some first responders are even isolating themselves from their families to reduce the risk of exposure. One way to support them as they deal with this stress is by delivering meals, snacks or baked goods. Spend an hour or two in the kitchen with your family and cook a dish for your local police or fire personnel. What will make this even more impactful is to create a handmade note of thanks to accompany your dish. This simple gesture is much appreciated by first responders, and helps make their day a little easier.
Help Senior Citizens
Senior citizens are among the most vulnerable to the pandemic, not only from illness but also isolation. Do you have an elderly neighbor? Write them a note with your phone number included and offer to run an errand for them. Do your children sing or play an instrument? Have them perform a few songs from the driveway of your neighbor’s house. If you don’t have an elderly neighbor, mailing handmade cards or encouraging messages to a local nursing home or extended-care facility is another great way to give back. If you have the means, donating funds, toiletries, cleaning supplies, pet food or other items to the Council on Aging is a great way to help.
These simple acts of kindness are what makes our community strong. At SFM Insurance, insurance is our business, but people are our focus. Since 1877, whether we’re supporting our neighbors who need a helping hand or thanking our shareholders who gave us a helping hand, we appreciate and give back to the community and the relationships we’ve built. We hope these ideas inspire you to give back, and that your family stays happy and healthy. We’ll get through this together!
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