If you remember, the Student Media Coalition celebrated National Random Acts of Kindness Day in February by teaming up with student organizations to spread kindness around the WVU campus. In one of our last leadership meetings, we were thinking, why did it stop there?
With a pandemic spreading around the world, the future has never been more uncertain. We’re all trying to figure out what is the right information to listen to, if our family and friends will stay safe and if there will even be supplies the next time we head to the grocery store. We know we don’t have to tell you the gravity of the situation we’re in, and if you’re coping like we are, then you need a break from it all and a little kindness and love from the people that matter most (and maybe a drink or two).
And we’re sure those you care about feel the same. Now that you can’t go to the movies, head to your favorite restaurant or have a night in, how do you spread a little bit of light to your loved ones, without a video call? Because seriously, if we see another Zoom link, we’re going to scream.
While most of the suggestions in our original National Random Acts of Kindness Day coverage still work, we gave them a social distancing-friendly update. Here are a few quick ideas to make someone’s day and give them a COVID-19 break:
1. Spread some social media cheer.
We’re sure you can agree, but social media has become even more unbearable in the last month and a half. It’s hard to not fall into a coronavirus bunny hole. By commenting on your friend’s Instagram post, sharing a funny tweet with them or posting something positive to their timeline, you’re bound to bring a smile to their face.
2. Leave supplies/gifts at the door.
While you can’t buy your friend or family member their morning coffee or lunch like we previously suggested, you can leave something uplifting on their porch, whether it be a good book or movie you enjoyed, ingredients to make the viral TikTok whipped coffee or some snacks they like. Just leave a note reminding them to Lysol and clean everything before use (just in case)!
3. A text or email will go a long way.
Whether you’re reminding a friend of a past fun experience you had together or thanking a mentor for their time and dedication, a quick email or text could make their day. After talking to many other students, we realized that we were all feeling roughly the same — some hours are productive while others are dreadful. Your email could help someone get through the lonely moments of this pandemic. (If you want to be more thoughtful, a handwritten letter can go a long way).
4. Donate money.
There are many people in our community, around the country and world who are facing financial hardships even worse than before because of the virus. If you are capable, Venmo a few dollars to a friend that needs help or donate to an organization that is attempting to help. Anything you can do will make a difference.
5. Volunteer time.
If you are healthy, haven’t been exposed to the virus and have the time, there are many organizations in our community that have stepped up to support one another. For those in Morgantown, Feed Mon Kids is working to provide meals to children in Monongalia County. Each week, volunteers pack supplies into boxes to be picked up by families. If you’re interested in volunteering, find out more information here.
No matter what you’re able to do, taking the time to spread some cheer and positivity during this time could make all the difference for someone else, and it will probably make you feel better, too.
Have a story of someone bringing positivity to your day that you’d like to share? Tweet with #WVUBeKindFromHome or DM us @WVUStudentMedia.
Top image: Debby Hudson/Unsplash