Share acts of kindness

One tip I've read: Buy gift cards, if possible (preferably online or via phone), from favorite stores and restaurants to support them while not actually lingering on the premises.

I'd like to find a way to support a favorite waitress at our go-to Indian place, but so far that seems trickier.

A "gentleman" at a nearby Publix was hoarding a shopping cart full of tissues as the toilet paper was out. A nearby shopper asked if she could have just one of the tissue boxes, and the man told her to "get away from my cart." A former offensive lineman from the University of Florida was nearby and calmly took two boxes from the man and handed it to the woman. Not a word was said.

I found that story heartwarming.

We have two elderly neighbors and either the Hot Wife or me stops by each day, but as of yet they're fine and fully stocked. A friend just had a baby and I told him to text me with anything he needs, including booze, and I would get it, no charge. Yay, me.

I am on the Next Door forum. Younger people in our community have offered to go grocery shopping for our elderly or disabled neighbors for no charge. Edited to add: Our local landscaping service has also extended this gratis to the elderly, etc. as well.

A post that was shared on Facebook suggested that people who have stockpiled TP and hand sanitizer, thereby contributing to the scarcity, make up some "care packages" for elderly neighbors and deliver them to their doorsteps. Probably a good idea for families with small children as well.

Post by jacksoncob11 reported to webmaster.

Several local stores are closing for an hour first thing in the morning specifically so that senior citizens can shop after everything has been sanitized and before other customers come in. Also, a teacher in my area is making up craft bags for parents to come and pick up in her front yard to give the children something to do besides technology. ❤️

Thanks Maggie for posting this timely message. Thanks also for the great ideas coming from our forum friends. In addition to Lola's idea, how about all the small bars of soaps and other essentials we've all collected at hotels. Over the years I have donated travel size necessities to the AAA. They take the items to the local shelters. Since AAA is closed, it's now plan B.

Stay connected with friends and family. Be an active listener for those who need to ventilate their concerns. Direct them to factual information provided by the CDC. Be kind to yourself. Look at ways to alleviate stress: Exercise. Meditate, Choose healthy foods, etc.

Take care all-

A friend of mine suggested that if you have kiddies at home with nothing to do, have them write letters or notes to send to residents of nursing homes or assisted living facilities. In Florida, no one other than medical personnel can now enter those facilities so residents cannot have visitors or entertainment. Many of these residents would love to read them. As a certified ombudsman in Florida I can’t begin to tell you how much they would like this. Address them to the Activities Director.

I just saw on Twitter how it's now a thing in Paris (perhaps France in general?) that at 20:00 hours each night people go to their door or balcony, etc, and cheer for the medical workers leading us all through. A couple of very nice videos, it sounds like New Year's Eve for a short time-screams, horns, banging on pots, then back to it.

We've been on house isolation for the last week because of being symptomatic for the virus, and until we have no symptoms for 72 hours, we are stuck here. My housecleaner offered to brave the market for us, and just delivered groceries. Those apples and oranges smelled so good. And except for paying the cost, he didn't want anything more. His tip at the holidays will be huge!

We live about 500 ft. from a bakery. I could smell the muffins and scones this morning. We called and asked if they would mind delivering! Within 5 minutes, we had fresh sourdough bread, scones and croissants.

These small acts of kindness remind me we live in a good world full of good humans. Some have an easier time sharing the goodness.

Besides the postings on my NextDoor thread offering help with grocery (or other) pickups and providing home cooked meals, there is now a group sharing ideas and materials for making and donating much needed masks for those who most badly need them. Folks out here in the "boonies" are generously sharing hand sanitizer and TP, ideas and anything else you might want/need. They are all so generous and I am proud to be an active member of our community.

Debbie, you will be in our thoughts for a good outcome. I am so glad you are being blessed with some kindness.

With shortages of hand sanitizer in the Nashville area, a local distillery has gotten creative and generous:

https://fox17.com/news/local/nashville-distillery-switches-from-gin-to-surface-and-hand-sanitizer

Please support their "regular product" if you see it on the shelves of your favorite liquor store or visit Tennessee (once safer times return for our nation) in the fuure.