The most healing aspect of national or international crises is the way it seems to unite humanity in the best ways. Somehow in our own distress, we wake up to the needs of others with a fresh perspective. We dig a little deeper to bring hope to someone else, and in the process, we find it builds our own. The unique part about sheltering in place is the way it cuts against our desire to physically unite with people, whether gathering in prayer, volunteering in a work effort, or simply sharing hugs with a friend. How do we help others without physically being with them? We lean into the gifts and resources we have in more creative ways.
Today I am partnering with H-E-B in their uplifting initiative #TexansHelpingTexans to help support local communities during COVID-19. In their own effort, H-E-B is supporting the elderly and immunocompromised with extended curbside service and doorstep deliveries, and they have also donated $3M to support local food banks across Texas and serve lower-income populations and local non-profits. It’s quite inspiring.
Although you and I may not be as far-reaching or well-resourced, impacting just one neighbor in a loving manner can be particularly powerful right now. Our older neighborhood is filled with octogenarians, so our family has specifically been looking for ways we can physically serve them while keeping distance. Chances are, if you live in an area with younger neighbors, they would love these ideas just the same. Here are a few ideas we have recently practiced in our own neighborhood. Although we are not physically with our neighbors, I imagine these small acts will build stronger relationships once we can gather in person again.
WAYS TO BE NEIGHBORLY DURING SHELTER-IN-PLACE
Mow your neighbor’s lawn, shovel their snow, or rake their leaves.
Leave a homemade meal or baked goods wrapped on their doorstep.
Use the telephone to say hello and ask how they are doing. This is especially important for neighbors who live alone.
Offer to pick up groceries or other household goods on their behalf.
Plant garden plants or flowers in their beds or pots.
Pot saplings to plant in a neighbor’s yard later this year.
Deposit diapers, toilet paper, meal gift cards, or other needed goods to neighbors currently without work.
Donate goods or money to your local food bank.
What ways have you helped neighbors during this time?
This post is sponsored by H-E-B as they spread positive support through #TexansHelpingTexans. All thoughts and images are my own. Thank you for supporting the businesses that help keep this space afloat.