The Covid Holidays: What to Expect and How to Help

    This holiday season is strange. We can't travel or see our family, as Covid is still relevant and impacting our everyday lives. In the state of the pandemic, we are focused on trying to stay safe and keep others safe. The most important aspect to remember is that we are working towards safety, as a vaccine is said to be close to release. But what do we do as we wait for safety? And more importantly, in light of the topic for this term, how can we help people who are in need (the homeless), who don't have access to any sort of precautions as we may have.

    The CDC has informed us on what precautions we should take in regards to gatherings, traveling and exposure during the holiday season. By now, we understand what we should be doing to keep safe. Social distancing, masks and staying clean has become a part of our daily lives.

To learn more about CDC holiday guidelines, click here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays.html

    So what about those in need, who don't have access to these precautions. The homeless want to stay safe during these times, and we have the ability to assist them during the holiday season. This is the time for giving to others, and it's easy to donate to homeless shelters or food banks. An article from WWNY News covers an annual student Christmas Drive, where they discuss how they are donating cleaning supplies such as baby wipes or hand sanitizers to those in need.

To read the full article, click here: https://www.wwnytv.com/2020/11/12/helping-homeless-during-holiday-season/

   Of course we have the ability to donate money or food to those in need, but what they really need is kindness and compassion during these dark times. The holiday season is supposed to be a jolly time of the year, and no one should be forced to feel terrible during these times. By donating and helping the homeless, we have the ability to show the homeless that we want them to have a wonderful holiday season. One non-profit, HandsOn Greater Portland, focuses on improving and changing communities for the better, and for the holidays they are in need of volunteers.

If you are interested in the HandsOn project, you can go to: https://www.handsonportland.org

This holiday season, be kind, help others and of course, stay safe!