There has been a lot of chaos in the world. Racism, police brutality, a worldwide pandemic, greedy companies, corrupt politicians, demagogues, and more have filled the news cycle. We need to stay informed to fight for justice and make wise choices, but we also need time to recharge, find joy and encouragement in some good news.
Here are some stories that will make your day.
Groups Helping People
If you’re a kid stuck at home all day you might get bored. If you’re a kid stuck at home for months, you might feel like you’re going out of your mind. If you live in Virginia’s Montgomery County, you may be in luck.
Kelly Passek, a middle school librarian came up with an idea. Since her area has been in a pilot program to deliver goods by drone, she was able to work with the company to help deliver library books to kids. Imagine having nothing to do and then getting a world of wonder delivered to your door. What a great way to encourage reading!
But that’s not the only company helping out. A German IKEA was asked if a local group of nearly 1,000 Muslims could use their parking lot to pray at the end of Ramadan while social distancing. The company said “yes” and the group was able to safely bring to a close one of their holiest traditions.
It’s not just the companies helping people, it’s also people helping companies. In Killeen, Texas a threat of looting the local mall spread on social media. Some of the local Black Lives Matter protest organizers got together and organized a group to defend the mall. Their efforts were successful and the mall was unharmed.
It’s some good news, but there’s more! Sometimes it’s just single individuals making a difference.
People Helping People
In New Jersey a single man has made made hundreds of shopping trips for seniors in lockdown. Although Greg Dailey takes on a second job delivering newspapers he still found a way to help out. When his frame shop was closed due to COVID-19, he used his time getting groceries to people who are unable to get out.
He’s not the only one helping others who don’t have family support. Rob Kenney grew up without a father. He had to learn a lot of life skills on his own. He decided to help kids who, like him, grew up without a father. He created the YouTube channel “Dad How Do I?” In which he shows how to do things like changing a tire or putting up a shelf. The channel has over 2 million subscribers.
It would take each of those subscribers to give about $10 to charity to match what a 99-year-old vet in London did. Tom Moore wanted to do something to help the UK Health Service after COVID-19 hit. On April 30, he decided to walk around his garden 100 times before his 100th birthday as a challenge for charity. His goal was to make 1000 pounds. Instead he raised over 13 million pounds or nearly $23 million dollars.
There is some good news everywhere. We just have to look for it. Be aware of where things are wrong and need fixing, but find the bright spots too. It helps us recharge for another day of justice.
