These are strange times, and it can be easy to get caught in the swirl of negative headlines. Our emotional rollercoaster can be compounded by the isolation many of us feel as we are practicing good social distancing.

As a possible antidote, here are seven ways to give back and make a positive difference.

1. Call Friends and Family

Who are the friends and family members you’ve been meaning to call but just haven’t had time? Scroll through your phone book and see if there’s an old friend or distant family member with whom you’d like to reconnect. Reaching out to close friends and family is also a great way to feel a boost.

For some extra fun with your virtually savvy contacts, try a video chat with virtual multiplayer games!

2. Help and Get Help

There are countless nonprofits who need help and who are making a difference. There are also many places where you can get help if you need it. CNN put together a detailed guide that categorizes resources by sector such as “Meals and Food Support,” “Seniors and People with Disabilities,” and “Mental Health.”

3. Add Beauty to Your World

Whether you post a landscape photo on Facebook, create a DIY flower arrangement from your garden, or sing from your balcony with your neighbors, sharing something beautiful brightens everyone’s day.

4. Buy Gift Cards for Small Businesses

If you have a favorite shop or restaurant, consider buying a gift card to support them during this time. You can use it when they reopen, but they’ll receive the revenue now when they may desperately need it.

5. Make Grants from Your Donor Advised Fund

If you have a donor advised fund, now is a good opportunity to consider making additional grants to charities. Talk with your financial advisor for other strategies to maximize the impact of your donations.

6. Support Your Local Community Response Fund

Many community foundations have established COVID-19 Community Response Funds to coordinate resources for their local towns. Foundations like The San Diego Foundation and California Community Foundation are making grants to local nonprofits which are helping vulnerable people during this crisis.

You can also access a map of similar community foundation funds across the United States.

7. Spark Joy for Yourself and Your Family

As we work from home and care for family members both young and old, it can make all of us happier to connect through a joyful activity. Here’s our list of ways you can explore, move, learn, and create together.

We wish you good health and bright moments in these times.

Learn More

Staying Home? You Can Still Explore, Move, Learn, and Create

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