This past year has been one of the hardest many of us have ever faced, and many of us are struggling with how to help those we love and those who need help in our communities.
While the problems might seem insurmountable, it’s up to all of us to try to help in any way that we can.
Currently, VanDerGinst Law is running a “Spread the Love” donation drive that will benefit veterans and those affected by the 2020 Iowa derecho. You can find more information about this project here.
However, if you’re unable to donate or live too far away, we’ve put together some other ways to “Spread the Love” in your community.
These ideas are a jumping off point to find how you can give back to your community, even during this difficult time.
1. Get takeout from local restaurants
Many business owners in the service industry are suffering due to COVID-related shutdowns right now.
Local restaurants are suffering even more so than bigger chains.
One easy way to help out your favorite local restaurants is to order takeout!
It seems like it’s almost too easy, but it will really help your local favorites stay in business through this pandemic. If you have the means, make a commitment to eat local at least once a week.
If your favorite local restaurants are still closed due to COVID but plan to reopen, it’s worthwhile to ask if you can purchase gift certificates for a later time.
This will help them in the immediate future and will give you and your family a special meal for later.
2. Talk to friends, family, and coworkers and see what they need
Sometimes, friends and family don’t want to bother you by asking for help, even if they really need it.
That’s why it’s so important to reach out to your loved ones in this time that we have to stay apart from each other.
If you are healthy and have the ability, ask what they need and how you can help them.
You could volunteer to deliver groceries or pick up prescriptions for someone you know who is elderly, immunocompromised, or currently has COVID and is quarantined.
Not only will you be helping them out, but you’ll be keeping others safe as well if they are quarantined with COVID.
We must help each other out in any way we can right now.
3. Donate blood
Blood banks all over the country aren’t getting as many donations as they usually do because in many cases they aren’t able to have blood drive events.
They are in desperate need of blood donations. If you are able to, this is an excellent way to give back to the community in a way that doesn’t cost you anything but your time.
To learn about eligibility requirements, find a blood drive, or even sign up to host your own, visit the American Red Cross website.
There’s a wealth of information to help you get started.
4. Random acts of kindness
Have you ever heard of “random acts of kindness?” This phrase describes doing something unplanned for someone without any thought of recognition to make their day a little better.
It could be anything from paying for the person behind you in the drive thru line, bringing in donuts to the office, giving a
generous tip, etc. There are so many different ways to bring a little bit of positivity into the world each day.
You don’t need to spend money to do a random act of kindness.
Some examples of non-monetary acts of kindness might be giving a loved one an unexpected call, shoveling your neighbors driveway, doing the dishes after a meal your spouse cooked, or donating old clothing and furniture to a local thrift store.
Need more ideas?
Check out the Random Acts of Kindness website.
5. Donate to a cause you’re passionate about
Still not sure how you can give back to your community during COVID? If none of these ideas struck a chord with you, there’s still ways you can give back in your community.
Find a cause that you’re passionate about and go for it.
If you love animals, why not find out what a local animal shelter needs donated or volunteer there?
If you’re most interested in helping children during the COVID pandemic, you might decide to donate your old laptop that’s just gathering dust on a shelf.
It could be the difference between a student getting education and not this year.
If you’re still not sure, check out the website Volunteer Match to find out where help is needed in our communities.
Get involved, give back, and spread the love
We hope these ideas gave you some inspiration on how you can spread the love in your community.
Whether you decide to donate your time, unneeded items in your home, or support our local restaurants, know that you are making a difference in our communities during this tenuous time.
When you do get involved, tag us on social media or use our hashtag #SpreadtheVLAWLove to show your community you care.
If you’re interested in the other ways VanDerGinst Law is involved in our local community, you can find more information and photos on our Community Involvement page.
The information contained on this website is presented by VanDerGinst Law P.C. It is not intended nor should it be construed as professional legal advice. The information is general in nature about the Firm, the scope of services we offer, and our community outreach, it is not legal advice. Please contact us by phone, email, mail, or via this website for inquiries. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please contact a personal injury attorney for a consultation regarding your situation. This website is not intended to solicit clients outside the State of Iowa and/or the State of Illinois.