'Let me be essential'

Sitting at home, on your couch, good film, snacks... Normally, it would be amazing. In these times though, it can feel a bit weird. Do you also get the 'I want to be essential to this world' vibe? Well, there's plenty you can do!

'Let me be essential'

Sitting at home, on your couch, good film, snacks... Normally, it would be amazing. In these times though, it can feel a bit weird. Do you also get the 'I want to be essential to this world' vibe? Well, there's plenty you can do!

Farmers, experts, professors, police, doctors, nurses, shop assistants, package deliverer, ... all of these essential workers deserve the highest of praise. ​
​This doesn't mean you're not essential, not at all! They need people to provide with food and packages. If you want to do more, here are a couple suggestions.

  1. Donate food to or volunteer at a food bank
    ​    Food banks are more busy than ever, more people rely on them since their monthly income has dropped due to unemployment.
  2. Volunteer as a nurse
    ​    Nurses can't take a day off, are doing overtime, they could do with an extra hand.
  3. Buy a gift certificate for a small local business
    ​    These are difficult times for small businesses. They don't have a big governmental support and their webshops aren't that elaborate. If you buy a certificate during the quarantine, you make a promise to support them after this is over.
  4. Raise/donate money for health organisations
    ​    The whole medical world is looking for a medicine/vaccine for the coronavirus. The cost of research is tremendous.
  5. Do the shopping for your at-risk neighbour
    ​    Elderly people are at the highest risk of getting the virus, so they shouldn't leave the house. It's not that much of an effort for you to pick up an extra few items on your weekly shop, but you'll make their day!
  6. Call people who feel lonely
    ​    A lot of people have to endure this quarantine all by themselves. Some countries or towns offer a site where you can give yourself up as a volunteer to chat with people who feel alone over the phone.

Many cities have set up local volunteer groups for those healthy enough to lend a helping hand to people most at risk. Google is your friend in finding these groups, and it's also worth checking the notice boards of your local council/government site.

 

Inspiration

 

Captain Tom Moore wanted to raise £1,000 for NHS on his 100th birthday... but ended up with £14m instead.

 

"I believe in man. I believe in mankind, as the worst and the best that has happened to this world."