An Outbreak of Altruism

It’s easy to look around and see how the COVID-19 pandemic has brought out the worst in some people—from those hoarding thousands of bottles of hand sanitizer and fighting over toilet paper to the shocking surges in domestic violence. 

Yet time and again, when we’re in crisis, individuals and communities demonstrate that the worst situations can bring out the best in us. For every moment of darkness, there are countless moments of light—small gestures of compassion and connection that allow people to show who they are, how they want to live, and what matters to them.  

At a time when we know the U.S. coronavirus death toll has exceeded casualties from the Vietnam war (in two months), we also know ways we are providing support for each other:

• Breweries are turning out half-gallon growlers of hand sanitizer
• Clothing factories are making PPE gowns and masks
• Hotels are offering their rooms for medical staff and patients
• Landlords are bypassing or reducing rent 

So many caring acts go on behind the closed doors of hospitals and homes, anonymous and unsung. It’s also inspiring to see creative unselfish acts—like the NJ students who produced 26,000 3-D face shields for first responders and medical workers. 

Small business owners are finding new ways to employ workers and stay open. Here’s one example of how helping others was the solution to survival. 

ALTRUISM HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK

Delivering donated meals to coronavirus workers in Harlem is keeping these restaurants in business and their workers employed.

Challenge of the Week

Let’s help keep small businesses alive. They’re the backbone of our country and many have less than a month of reserves and nearly zero revenue right now. 

If you can, buy curbside delivery or get produce at a drive-through local farmer’s market. Purchase a gift card to use later to keep hairdressers and other businesses afloat. Support health care workers by donating a gas gift card or a meal from a local restaurant or coffee shop. This will give businesses that are temporarily closed some much-needed cash.  

What acts of kindness have you seen in your community during the coronavirus crisis? Please share your stories, photos and videos with us! We’d love to feature them here.

– Kendall Webb, JustGive Founder and Executive Director