As we are learning to live through social distancing policies and orders to stay at home, it can be challenging to find ways to give back. But our neighbors need our help more than ever!
Here are ways you and your family can help serve right in your own neighborhood:
- Make encouraging cards for elderly or high-risk people who are unable to go out:
- Refuge Services has requested people send their clients, staff, therapists, and volunteers encouraging cards to help keep their spirits up during this time. You can drop off or mail your cards. Click here for more information about Refuge Services and where to send your encouraging message.
- Grace campus has requested people to send their residents messages "From the Heart" to help with loneliness during this season. Click here for more information and to send an encouraging message.
- Communities in Schools has shared a way you can have a positive impact in the life of a child today. Simply send an encouraging card or note to Communities that will be delivered the families with their food bags each week. Click here for more information and to send a student an encouraging message.
- Lubbock Meals On Wheels provides food for people who are unable to leave their homes. You can make a difference in someone's life with these easy projects from home. They need donations for the following:
- Homemade Birthday Cards - They’ve had to temporarily stop delivering birthday cakes right now, but homemade birthday cards would be very appreciated and help bless and encourage those that are homebound. They ask that you please make sure your card is appropriate for both male or female.
- Decorated Grocery Bags - Meals are delivered in paper grocery bags - a decorated bag brightens their day.
- Decorated Place Mats - Something as simple as a picture on a piece of construction paper can bring joy to someone who can't get out right now.
- Homemade Greeting Cards - Everyday cards are greatly appreciated any time of the year!
- Show your support and say Thank You to our frontline health workers
- Click here to download and print the TTUHSC coloring sheet. Hang your completed Thank You in your window and share it on Facebook and/or Instagram with the tag #AllTogetherTTUHSC. They may even share your submission on TTUHSC’s social media!
- Mow lawns or assist with yard work for people at-risk people in your area
- Host an online storytime or musical performance for neighbors
- Help spread love and support in your community by displaying hearts in your windows:
- The "Hearts in the Window" movement initially began in Nanaimo, BC Canada, but has now spread around the world. Slate Group, a local print company, developed their own twist on the hearts by making a template for dimensional heart pendants that can be hung in windows.
Click here to download the template and directions for making the hanging heart pendants
- Create engaging opportunities for children in your neighborhood:
- Sidewalk chalk messages
- Driveway block parties
- Scavenger hunts where individual families look for items that have been placed around the neighborhood (but no touching or getting near other families!)
- Drop off a “party in a box” or plan a virtual party for someone whose special celebration has been cancelled
- Offer to deliver groceries or other supplies to homebound neighbors
- Call friends and family to check in on them
- Be creative! Work with others to create opportunities for connection in your community!
Follow the Volunteer Center on Facebook and Instagram for more ideas about how to safely volunteer during Covid-19!
*Remember, when delivering items to others, be sure to wash your hands well before and after preparation, wear gloves, and/or sanitize packaging if possible.
