In the wake of the coronavirus, COVID-19, our Valparaiso community needs us more than ever. Although, how can you help your community while keeping your distance?
Valparaiso Sunrise Kiwanis is all about giving back to children in our community. Despite the pandemic, we are moving forward with our mission. Anyone interested in joining or donating can contact Cynthia at: Cynthia.Felton@valpo.edu or fill out our form by CLICKING HERE. Our meetings are temporarily on hold, but we will be back together as soon as it is safe to do so.
Along with joining a local charity, here are ways to give back during social isolation:
- Make a Child Smile: As adults scramble to figure everything out, it’s important not to forget the children. Our children have had to give up their school, friends, clubs, and activities to help us stay safe. What can you do to brighten up a kid’s day? Children often like to FaceTime or meet in a virtual game and play together. Reach out to the kids in your life to let them know they aren’t alone. Also, many families go for walks just to get out of the house. Perhaps post a sign or draw with chalk an inspiring or funny message. You can even send a card or small package through USPS, which helps support the Post Office, too! Another idea is to get some coloring books and crayons from the Dollar Tree and plant them in your neighborhood kids’ mailboxes for a fun surprise.
- Give Your Time: Although many fundraisers and events are postponed in the summer, there are still ways you can donate your time. A super simple way is to share information about your favorite charities and causes on your social media platforms. Liking, sharing, and commenting on local charities’ social media helps their messages to be heard. At Valparaiso Sunrise Kiwanis, we are always grateful for any mentions on social media! Another way is to call/text your elderly or sick friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors. While we are moving towards reopening everything, many in the at-risk category will elect to stay home for safety. It costs nothing to reach out to them just to chat and to make sure they are okay. Find out if they need help mowing their lawn or getting groceries.
- Plan to Give Time: When our community is back up and running, there will be a lot of work to do. Commit, right now, to give your physical presence to help a local charity when things open. If you choose Sunrise Kiwanis, you will find that there is something for everyone. There are so many opportunities to join our members as they read to children, clean the toys at the YMCA, help our fundraising events, and so much more. A benefit of participating in an organization like ours is that you can choose where you want to donate your time. Giving of your time and physical presence is a simple, but extremely rewarding way to support your community.
- Donate What You Can: If you have extra needed items, such as canned goods, diapers, and cleaning solution, call local food banks, homeless shelters, and charities to see if they could use them. Due to the increased needs of the community in the face of a pandemic, there is an extra need for essentials. You could also donate cash or certain gift cards, as well.
Do you have any more ideas on how to give back during social isolation? Write them in the comments! If you enjoyed this blog, please feel free to share it on your social media. We appreciate your involvement! No matter how much or little time you have to dedicate to the club, there are so many opportunities to make a positive impact in the life of a child. Cynthia at: Cynthia.Felton@valpo.edu or fill out our form by CLICKING HERE.