COVID kindness

In the past during times of trouble and stress, natural disasters, man-made chaos, and challenging crises, people come together and do what they can to help. Lead by our hearts, we often turn to institutions larger than us, like organizations and companies, to help guide just how and exactly where we can help. This strange time of global pandemic is no different and many companies and their brands are trying to make a difference.

THE “FRONT LINES”

We are all aware of the toll that COVID-19 has put on our healthcare system. Those essential workers, people in those arenas are stressed and dealing with an unprecedented experience.

Johnson & Johnson is partly behind thanksnurses.org where you can text a $10 donation to help nurses via providing them with mental health support, advocacy, and ensuring that they receive fact-based information on the outbreak.



THE ART OF KINDNESS

The Metropolitan Museum, The Whitney Museum of American Art, and others donated PPE equipment from their restoration labs to people on the front lines of the pandemic. Museum textile experts and staff are also using their time, skills and machines to make masks and donate them to those who need them most.

PLAY IT FORWARD

With students in distance learning scenarios and childcare closed, many entertainers and kid-focused brands have reached out to help make a daily difference in families’ lives. Michelle Obama, Dolly Parton, and other children’s book authors have donated their time to read books live, online at designated times. Kidz Bop, a music label for kids, hosts daily “livestreams” on Facebook and YouTube of a dance break, so that everyone can get moving and grooving while in quarantine.

Mattel/Fisher Price released a Thank You Heroes collection of LittlePeople figures representing those on the front lines. The figures include a doctor, a nurse, an delivery driver, an EMT, and a grocery clerk. A purchase of the figures guarantees that “net proceeds from the sale … will be donated to #FirstRespondersFirst, a fund dedicated to providing essential supplies, equipment and resources for protecting frontline healthcare workers and their families.”

DINE OUT OR DELIVERY

Heinz for Diners is donating 500 microgrants to “diners you love” to support restaurants that may be hurting in this time. 

Likewise, Jose Cuervo, the tequila company, is offering to pay the tab on orders from local Mexican food restaurants, up to 250 per day. Centered on Cinco de Mayo, consumers can enter by tagging the company and using #CincoToGo and #CuervoContest. 

COOKING FOR A CAUSE

Oscar Mayer is encouraging Front Yard Cookouts where people can see their neighbors. Every time #FrontYardCookout is shared with an image, they will donate a meal to Feeding America. 

Restaurateur and barbecue enthusiast, Guy Fieri, has joined forces with the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation to create the Restaurant Employee Relief Fund which distributes small grants to restaurant workers left unemployed by Covid-19.

Many restaurants that would otherwise be closed during this pandemic are turning to making free meals for front line workers. “Over the past month, José Andrés’, World Central Kitchen has served more than one million meals to essential workers and the hungry in at least 95 cities across the country.”

LOCAL LOVE

In our own neighborhoods we’ve seen the moving footage of the cheers, bells, and hollers that accompany hospital shift workers during their entrance or exit from the hospitals and clinics.

Many Little Free Libraries have turned into Little Free Pantries or “Sharing boxes” in an attempt to help those with food insecurity, or those who may be too fearful to venture to the grocery store.

Skilled home sewers and those with 3D printers are making masks and ear guards for medical professionals, and many have donated their time and resources to help those who are unable to find protective equipment.

IN THIS TOGETHER

We’ve seen the power of people and companies helping others in the past. In this new scenario, our ability to focus and create opportunities to care for our family, friends, and neighbors feels different, and challenged, but it very much rooted in the same values it has always been. How we respond to stressful situations says a lot about who we are – and right now, many continue to find comfort and real life connection in kindness.