Ways to love your community during shelter in place

Our nation has been facing unprecedented circumstances these past few weeks with the spread of COVID-19 cases. As many of us are at home reading the news and hearing about the impacts of this virus, some of you might be pausing and wondering “what can I do to help during a time like this, especially when I’m stuck inside?” Here are a few suggestions--by no means comprehensive, but definitely a starting point if you’re looking for ways to help.

Donate supplies or funds to a local food pantry

Various food pantries or community centers are in need of supplies ranging from canned food to toilet paper. This may depend on where you are, since different folks are back home for the rest of the semester, but look into your local food bank to see how you can help!

Be a volunteer grocery shopper

Get involved with something like Project G.LOVES, where you can help deliver same-day groceries to residents in the East Bay who are over 65. Since those 65+ are considered at higher risk for severe illness, it can be challenging for some to get out to grocery stores to get what they need.

Encourage your friends and family while staying in place

Though it’s challenging for some, respecting the guidelines of the shelter-in-place order is essential for helping to slow the spread of the coronavirus. However, this doesn’t mean we can’t stay connected to others! Let’s take the time to engage in meaningful, encouraging conversations with our families and roommates, and maybe even call a friend you haven’t connected with in a while. 

PRAY

There’s a lot to pray for during this time! Many of us have been praying, and continue to pray that this pandemic would come to an end, and that lives would be saved. We can also continue to intercede for different groups of people, including those who are working in healthcare, the elderly population, and communities we know have been disproportionately affected by the virus. Let’s commit to being prayer warriors for our world!