Author: Brandon Pham

It’s been a little over a year now since the COVID-19 pandemic sent us all to our houses and completely changed our day-to-day life. It’s been hard for some people to go from seeing people every day to staring at the computer screen, knowing it’s practically the only window to the outside world they have during quarantine. Now that vaccines for COVID are rolling out, things are finally starting to go back to normal. But this doesn’t mean we shouldn’t still be careful and use social distancing whenever we can, as well as limit outside contact as much as possible.

Speaking for myself as someone who enjoys helping people in need whenever I can, the pandemic has been rough without community events. But they’ve been even tougher on the people who depend on the help we can provide to them, including those with neurological disorders. The Plus One Foundation has been putting in work over the past year giving out food packs, sending letters, and organizing online charity fundraiser events to continue helping those who need it the most.

Even from our homes, any individual can do their part to help people, whether it’s close friends and family, members of the community, or even people across the world. The reason many of us wear our masks and use social distancing is to help our community get through this pandemic together, and by staying home and minimizing personal contact with others, you’re already doing your part and saving lives. But if you’re still asking yourself “How can I help?” during these times, I have some suggestions on how to support others from the comfort of your home, even once the pandemic is over.

1.     Check in with your neighbors and family. Call or text people you know and ask how they’re doing, especially elderly people and those who may be struggling at home alone. See if there’s anything they need, like groceries or other necessities, and volunteer to leave it in front of their house if they want. You can also simply have a chat with them and give some reassurance if they need it, since all some people might need is a good listener.

2.     Explore some ways to help virtually. Many nonprofit organizations have made a transition to online events, giving people many opportunities to take action and help if they choose. For example, the Plus One Foundation has funded and executed multiple online events to assist people with neurological disorders, including online music classes, trivia game nights, and virtual concerts. Plus One Foundation has many more events coming this year, including a virtual and physical challenge fundraiser to celebrate the organization’s 11th birthday. You can check the main page at https://www.plusonefoundation.org/ to keep up to date on upcoming events and how you can help.

3.     Make some donations. While many of us have the luxury of holing up in our houses during this pandemic, there are multitudes of nonprofit organizations all over the world that are working every day to help those who don’t have such luxuries. All of these nonprofits will need a lot of help in this time of crisis, so consider making a donation to some of them if you have the money to spare. Whether it’s a nonprofit on the front line of the battle against COVID-19 or one working on another important issue, your donation will be a huge help. And of course, if you’d like to help the Plus One Foundation provide relief for people with neurological disorders, you can donate at https://www.plusonefoundation.org/donate.

4.     Spread a little happiness to others. In such scary times, it’s easy to become depressed and pessimistic about the state of the world. So try sharing some good news for a change with people you know. You can share a feel-good article about something that inspired you or gave you a little hope. Even sharing something that made you laugh that day can go a long way towards brightening someone else’s day.

The world is now finally getting to the light at the end of the COVID-19 tunnel, and I personally can’t wait to be a part of community events again. But until that day comes, we can all do our part from home to help others in lots of little ways. After all, even though we’re social distancing right now, we’re all in this together.