We Can All Do Something to Help

The COVID-19 pandemic is scary, and it’s natural to feel overwhelmed by what is going on. Unfortunately, the reality is that things will get a lot worse in the coming weeks and months, and many people in our communities are going to need help. The good news is that there are things you can do today to change the course of the pandemic and help our community get through it.

1. Social Distancing: This is by far the most important thing you can do to help our community, not to mention to protect yourself and your family. Please share these resources with anyone you know who is skeptical about having to stay home.
   
   Why outbreaks of coronavirus spread exponentially, and how to “flatten the curve” –Washington Post
   
   Social Distancing: This is not a snow day – Medium.com
   
   COVID-19 is different from flu, and we must respond differently - CNN
   
   
2. Food Supports: Donate to a Got Lunch organization in your town and to your local food pantry.
   
   Yesterday, the Governor announced that schools are closed, but that they will distribute food to families whose children participate in their school’s food programs. We know that local Got Lunch! organizations have been mobilizing to distribute groceries to families during this crisis. Both will be a big help to families who are losing income due to the pandemic.
   
   Food pantries will help elderly or disabled residents of low-income and families who don’t have a Got Lunch program in their town.
   
   You can also offer to go get groceries for your relatives and neighbors who are over the age of 60 or have underlying health problems. These people should be self-isolating at home – it is dangerous for them to go anywhere.
   
   
3. Support Local Businesses: You can stay home while still spending money at your favorite local businesses by buying gift certificates to use later. The vast majority of businesses in our region and state are small and locally owned and they will be hit hard by this crisis. The more we support them, the more they can support their employees during this difficult time.

 
The days ahead will be challenging. But we are not helpless in the face of this pandemic. Each of us has the power change the course of history with our choices over the coming weeks and months. There is a strong spirit of generosity and community here in the Lakes Region – we have a lot of practice giving back and helping out! So I know that, while we may all experience sadness in the days to come, we will also feel moments of great hope as we work together to overcome this unprecedented challenge.
 
Yours in hope and community,
 
Carmen R. Lorentz