Pandemic Watch: Community groups stepping up
Like me, I am sure many of you are involved in various groups that give back to their communities. Many of us spend our evenings after work or on weekends planning fundraising galas to help kids in need, creating programs for summer camps and in religious organizations.
Since the virus took hold, in many ways I’ve felt useless. I haven’t been able to do much of this. I offered to deliver holiday meals. The organization never got back to me. I am not surprised. It was very unorganized during “normal times.” Perhaps I was better off.
But some of the groups I am involved with have shown that they care and have stepped it up during this crisis. Every morning, I do something with a wonderful group in Maryland. I have good friends there and they sent me the links. This organization’s programming is great. When you log in most people are present right on time. I am one of the early birds and have gotten the chance to chat with a few people before the event starts. I’m making new friends. That’s good. Their presenters have PowerPoint (PPT) slide decks on their screen outlining our discussion. We can do Q&As.
Another group I am involved with recently did a call to let us know what the status is of the kids we are helping in the Holy Land. Again, they had a PPT deck. It was very well organized. I haven’t done much with them for the last year or so. Part of the reason is that they were doing reorganization and my timing. The baseball playoffs got in the way. Should have done work with them. I cried at the end of the playoffs A few weeks ago, I sent them a note to offer my help. We spoke and I’m back. I launched its newsletter several years ago and their blogs. All will be back. I’m pleased to be at the helm. In another group, I’m teaching kids every Sunday morning. I used to set up for them in the old days. That’s before we were doing our sessions via Zoom.
My camp group, which offers so much to today’s youth, I’ve stepped up some activity to keep people interested since the virus has shuttered our summer programming. We are creating digital events. No, it is not swimming in Rock Lake, going to Indian Cliffs or fun campfires in Hidden Valley featuring a lot of characters. But our fire will burn.
Digital volunteer work is keeping me busy. It is not the same. But it is exciting to see how groups are pushing to keep you involved. For those groups that are trying harder than ever, whenever we can get back to normal. Or create a new one, I will be with you.
Originally published at http://mitchellthoughtsblog.wordpress.com on June 15, 2020.
