Keeping Positive and Sharing Cheer:

I love seeing the rallying of communities everywhere as people are seeing and meeting needs - both physically and emotionally. Even 'hiding away' we are finding ways to cheer each other on from afar and I am enjoying the reports. If you need an idea today of something you can do for the greater community here are a few of the ideas that I've seen. 

Display a Teddy Bear - I am primarily seeing this idea in neighborhoods where the parents have decided to set a teddy bear in the window, on the porch or in the yard for children to "spot" while they are out walking or looking out there windows. It is a precious game of hide and seek. 

Rainbows and Hearts - I've seen both. And I have seen FB groups set up for encouraging both. Homeowners are taking time to decorate windows and doors in a wide array of hearts and/or rainbows to bring smiles to those passing by.... and likely to those living in the homes as well. 

Christmas Lights Revisited - I have seen a lot of mentions of families relighting their homes and yards with visits of Christmas lights for people to go out and enjoy on a drive. 

Cards and More cards - Lots of youngers are being encouraged to draw pictures and write cards to senior citizens locked away and lonely inside senior centers and nursing homes. 
             - On this note: I know that Meals On Wheels, Food shelves and other home helping organizations have been looking for help with deliveries. It is a great opportunity for families to get involved. Even from a distance. 

Lemonade Stand (but not) - There is a local story about a 4-year old that wanted to have a stand giving things away instead of selling lemonade. He has it stocked at the end of his driveway with TP, water bottles and food stuffs. 

Making Masks - With the lack of medical masks available I am seeing great numbers of volunteers stepping up to the plate and making masks for the hospitals. Such a sweet gesture on the part of crafters everywhere. 

Little Libraries and Food Boxes - It has forever been a dream of mine to have a little library at the end of my drive. In recent days I have seen a  resurgence of them being filled up and offering books and food alike. With the forcing of home learning and time off it is an opportunity to children and families to find books. And, with actual libraries being closed it is another opportunity to find reading material.

This is such a short list of things that families are doing from their homes to help others. I know that the list could go on and on and on and that over the coming weeks it will grow. It is a wonderful to watch communities come together in this crazy time of hibernation. 

I would love to hear what you are doing to lighten the load and to brighten the day of another.