For most, if not all of us, the coronavirus creates anxiety and fear.  We take steps to protect ourselves and our family.  But beyond those basic instincts, there is a common thread among many to reach out and help others. The question then becomes, how?

Much of what you need to know can be found on the Drake University Community Engagement website. The United Way Volunteer website is a great resource as well. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Check on your neighbors. Call or text your neighbors (especially elderly neighbors) to make sure they’re doing okay. If there is anything they need that you can provide, offer to leave it outside their front door. And if you feel comfortable going out, consider knocking on the door of an elderly neighbor and chatting through the storm door to offer a bit of comfort.

Donate. There are many ways you can do this. Contribute to Drake’s Virtual Food Drive or the College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences’ virtual fundraiser for the Food Bank of Iowa. Consider donating blood, or drop off canned goods and toiletries to one of the Drake Neighborhood’s Little Free Pantries.

Put your creative skills to use. You’ve heard the stories of drive-by parades to celebrate a loved one’s birthday; singing, dancing, or playing a musical instrument to lift the spirits of others from a safe distance; and creating fun videos to share with family and friends.  Find out what your passion or talent is and find a way to share it safely. It could be sewing face masks or writing letters to a local nursing home (Ramsey Village is in our Drake neighborhood). How about getting your family together and using chalk to write motivational messages on your sidewalk and driveway? The options are limitless.

Support your local businesses. Many of us are already ordering food from our local restaurants either drive-thru, delivery, or curb-side pick-up. Check online to see what other small local businesses are offering delivery or curbside pick-up options and consider making a purchase.

Find a way to say thank-you to those on the front lines. The best way we can say thank-you is to follow the CDC recommendations and wash our hands, practice social distancing, and stay home if we are sick. If you want to take it a step further, find out if your local hospital is accepting a delivery of a few pizzas. And don’t forget to thank all our front line and essential workers — including our own faculty and staff.

Although we are socially distanced, we are still best when we work together … six feet apart.

— Linda Feiden, Human Resources