Items

2020-03-16

A Warm Hug

This personal item is a jacket I received from a customer back during the Spring of 2020. I was an essential worker at Lowe's at the time and quarantine had just been mandated. It was an extremely cold and rainy day; cold to the point of where the wind was blowing the doors to-and-fro and I could not ring up a customer without stopping to put my hands in my pockets. As I worked, a middle-age guest, comes up to register and noticed that I was shivering nonstop. She paused as she got ready to hand me her payment and asked if I needed another jacket. I smiled and told her “No, I’m okay,” but she persisted and asked again. I reassured her that I was okay and she nodded and smiled sweetly and told me “thank you” and to have a bless day. After she left, I did not think much about the encounter besides the fact that she was genuinely a sweet and kind woman. About 30 minutes later, the same woman approached me in my line again, but this time with a Target bag in her hand and jacket in the other. With a sweet smile again, she told me that she used the last bit of her cash she had on her to go buy me something warm so I would not freeze the rest of my shift. While it was a small act, it meant a lot to me considering that she was stranger and was willing to go that far to make sure I was okay. I was not able to give the woman a hug after the exchange (we actually gave each other a "COVID fist bump" out of solidarity,) but it honestly felt all the same. Her act showed me that despite race, gender, age, or orientation, we were all one in the same in that moment and that we were all going through the same trials, worries, and circumstances. To this day, I still have the jacket in my closet and I always wear it at home or outside when I need a warm hug. Whether there is an pandemic a war, or any crisis, going on in the world that experience taught me that it does not cost anything to be nice to another human being. Although there were many more hardships I experienced that year, I always looked back to moment for comfort and remembered that there was a sweet lady out there giving me love and endurance.

12/11/2020

Mark Larson Oral History, 2020/12/11

Mark Larson resides in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin by Lake Wissota and currently works at Market and Johnson in the safety manager position. In this interview, Mark talks about how COVID-19 has affected his job and the different programs he is involved with at Hope Lutheran Church of Eau Claire. In the interview he discusses what activities that he and his family have done to stay busy during the uncertain times and talks about how COVID-19 is bringing back family time and how there has been some positives to this pandemic in that aspect.

2020-09-19

PHOTOS: How The World Is Reinventing Rituals

This article captures images of the continuations of and changes in rituals around the globe during the pandemic.

2021-04-10

Sikh temple is offering 1,500 COVID-19 shots

For most religions, helping in the community is a necessity. For Sikhs, it is no different. This article details how a Sikh temple has allowed its building to be used for the distribution of 1500 COVID-19 vaccines. Throughout the history of Sikhism, a premium has been placed on service and charity. By providing its building for easy access to vaccines, this Sikh temple is playing its role to help get back to normalcy.

2020

The Sikh Coalition: COVID-19 Responses and Resources

Sikhism is one of the most generous faiths in the world, working to help all who may be in need. This site is a great source to see how Sikhs are responding to the pandemic in the various countries where the religion is practiced. Furthermore, one is able to see how Sikhism has contributed to aiding those in need during this time.

2020-04

Faith-based Organizations Responding to COVID-19

Coming from the USAID (United States Agency International Development), this article provides a breakdown of several different FBO’s (Faith Based Organization) and their response in providing aid during the pandemic. The article discusses various faith groups (Christian, Muslim, Jewish) and their individual responses. While a lot of aid and charity has been provided in the United States, many FBO’s are working to also provide aid to those overseas as well. Citizens of Pakistan, Ethiopia, Bangladesh, as well as Latin American countries are being helped during this time.

2020-05-20

U.S. faith-based groups fight COVID-19 worldwide

This article explores how faith-based organizations are coming together during COVID-19 and providing aid where possible. Specifically, the author makes note that Christians, Jews, and Muslims are working together during this time to help all people. Not only is this an example of inter-faith ecumenism, but what is actually being seen is a coordinated multi-faith system to give to those who need help. These charities have together to meet the needs of the hungry, are aiding in taking care of those sick with COVID-19, and are helping the poor overseas push through the economic hardship of the pandemic.

2020-09

Socially Separated Sandwiches

During the fall of 2020, a local homeless shelter was unable to offer beds to people in need during the COVID pandemic due to space and resource restrictions. It was hard to witness these organizations meant to help people also need extra love and help during the pandemic whether it be for medical, physical, or financial reasons. In response to the need, my church was able to step up to make sandwiches that the shelter could hand out to the people living on the streets that they were unable to serve at the time. We wore masks, took extra safety precautions, and socially distanced in an assembly style line outside in the church parking lot where we made packages of chips and sandwiches. While working together to make the sandwiches for the homeless shelter, I was reminded that we are still a community even when we cannot be together in the same ways we were before the pandemic. Finding pockets of community in the turbulent pandemic has been a blessing and chance for me to truly appreciate those around me and think of different ways that I can reach out to the community and be a part of it despite the circumstances. Distance did not have to mean silence and stillness. People were able to help in any way possible. If they were unable to help make the sandwiches, they prayed for the mission or donated money for the supplies. People shared what they could and came together when it mattered the most. This story highlights how even in times where we stayed apart to remain safe, we were still able to come together in another way to support each other. Communities didn't have to disappear during the pandemic, and this is just one example of their power to persevere in dark times.

Screenshot of The Times Herald web article. Image of woman handing flowers to elderly woman. Headline reads, "Flowers brighten isolation for many during pandemic".

2021-01-28

Flowers brighten isolation for many during pandemic

A 65-year-old woman collects old flowers from funeral homes, grocery stores, and the like. She then makes bouquets and distributes them to nursing homes, hospitals, and community areas such as libraries and even laundromats. The flowers she delivers brighten people's days, especially in these hard times.

Man in PPE standing outside next to a white car, holding a large cardboard box.

2020-03-27

Donating PPE

Université du Québec à Montréal donated PPE to hospitals at the beginning of the pandemic.

2020-01-01

Ratatouille: the TikTok Musical

TikTok, an extremely popular social media app that allows users to upload short videos, never fails to showcase creativity. From dances to trends to recipes and more, it seems there is no limit to what its users can create. One of the most seemingly ridiculous examples of this is the “Ratatousical,” now formally known as “Ratatouille: the TikTok Musical.” User Emily Jacobsen began what became a viral movement by posting a short song she made up about the main character of the Disney/Pixar film Ratatouille, and it quickly picked up momentum. Soon more people began writing songs for the characters of the movie, choreographing dances, and designing sets for what became a very detailed crowd-sourced musical. Many joked that it needed to go to Broadway once Broadway reopened, and shared their dream cast for the show, posting song covers and orchestrations for the show. Due to the massive popularity it gained on TikTok, many official Broadway-related and Disney pages and websites began referencing the original song, playing along with the idea of this musical. Much to everyone’s surprise, on December 9, 2020, it was announced that an official virtual production of the show would be presented by Seaview Productions on January 1, 2021, featuring the original songs shared on TikTok with full orchestrations and Broadway actors performing them. The concert benefited The Actors Fund, a charity supporting workers in the performing arts and entertainment, and starred Titus Burgess (of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt fame) as Remy. Through the sale of virtual tickets and donations, over $2 million was raised for the Actors Fund because of this show, which was met with overwhelming positivity. All of the original creators of the songs featured were compensated and praised, and the collaborative effort brought joy and excitement to performing arts workers and fans alike. What seemed like a silly trend on TikTok quickly brought together hundreds of thousands of people, allowing them to share in what brings them happiness even when still separated due to the pandemic. The money raised through this project will go on to support those who have been out of work from the closure of theatres and the entertainment industry, which has led countless numbers of individuals to be out of work since early in the pandemic. This effort to collaborate and create allowed individuals to return to the feeling of community and support often felt in the performing arts and provided a creative outlet for many. While nothing feels quite the same as seeing a musical live and in person, it is inspiring to know that the performing arts community is alive and well, even in the midst of a pandemic. If you haven’t checked it out, I’d highly recommend it. Here’s to Remy, the rat of all our dreams.

2020-11-19

The future of music festivals might be inside video games

There has been multiple online festivals hosted inside video games such as Minecraft, with Lavapalooza, or Fortnite, the infamous Travis Scott event. Many of these events proceeds have gone directly to charity regarding Covid-19 relief. These digital live music events raise the question of the viability of hosting a digital festival in a post-pandemic world.

2020-06-05

The Collapse of the Concert Industry

On June 5, 2020, I was scheduled to attend a concert to see The Lumineers at BB&T Pavilion in Camden, New Jersey. As an avid concert-goer, I would regularly attend music festivals, live performances, and music events throughout the year to view my favorite performers. From Radiohead and Lana Del Rey to Post Malone and Pearl Jam, the amount of musicians that I have yet to see is limited. My experience at music festivals speaks to the love and appreciation I have for the concert industry; spending a week outside in the blazing heat surrounded by thousands of other concertgoers (who are usually drenched in sweat and dehydrated) are moments that I cherish year after year. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020, I was unable to see any concerts, music festivals, or performances because of CDC health restrictions and the threat of the virus. In June, I received an email detailing that my concert tickets to see The Lumineers were cancelled and my money would be refunded. An option that the event company provided was to donate concert tickets to healthcare workers serving in hospitals, nursing homes, and other essential workspaces. The inclusion of this option struck me as a compassionate and empathetic gesture towards recognizing the essential workers of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a college student, I do not bear witness to the firsthand account of serving sick patients and being exposed to a deadly virus. Providing healthcare workers, who are risking their lives to keep the majority of the population safe, concert tickets to enjoy when the pandemic ends is a wonderful gesture and reminds me to celebrate local healthcare workers in my community. Despite the positive tone of the cancellation email, I am saddened to reflect on the future of the concert industry. Health restrictions caused many local concert venues to close and left many struggling musicians and artists to find other means of work instead of pursuing a music career. Concerts are a means of bringing diverse communities together to celebrate a singular thing: the power of music in providing healing, love, and joy. During adversities, I turn to music to find solace and comfort, as do others, and the absence of live performances in the future gives me anguish knowing that I may never see Vampire Weekend on stage, attend Lollapalooza Music Festival, or dance to Tame Impala’s music ever again. However, I love seeing the creation of alternative options to live music, such as neighborhood concerts and rooftop performances where viewers can distance themselves from others and wear masks while enjoying the atmosphere of a concert-like setting. Once the COVID-19 pandemic ends, I am anxiously awaiting the return of the concert industry so I can continue to sing and dance to my favorite bands! The image I have concluded is a screenshot of the email that I received from BB&T Pavilion detailing that the concert was cancelled, but I had the option to donate my tickets to healthcare workers on the frontline. While I am upset that I was not able to attend the concert in June, I believe that healthcare workers should be compensated for their time, sacrifice, and devotion to the betterment of our society through their tireless efforts in healthcare. This option is a perfect example of how individuals can give back to members of our society that are fighting to end the COVID-19 pandemic and to acknowledge their progress and effort to keep every person safe from sickness.

2020-11-20

As Thanksgiving Comes, Nonprofits Brace for More Food Insecurity

As Thanksgiving approaches, food nonprofits across the United States preparing to distribute more food this year because of increased food insecurity caused by COVID-19.

2020-10-01

Ramin Karimloo gave Youtube concert to raise money for healthcare workers

On October 1, 2020, Ramin Karimloo, who starred in several musicals on West End, held a livestreamed concert on his Youtube channel to help raise money for healthcare workers. The charity he featured was Care Not Profit, a Canadian-based charity lobbying for living wages for people who work in for-profit long-term care facilities, better conditions for residents of those facilities, and better benefits for the workers.

2020-10-02

Jewish Melbourne: Chabad on Carlisle Weekly Message for Sukkot

This is a weekly video message from Chabad on Carlisle to their congregation. This one is for Sukkot and encouraging people to donate to their charity appeal.

2020

Jewish Melbourne: Bialik College Foundation fundraising projects for Covid-19

Amongst its other fundraising efforts, Bialik College launched a special 'Covid-19 Relief' fundraiser: "Our goal is to ensure no child leaves Bialik College as a result of financial hardship caused by COVID-19. Help us make this a reality and support a family in need. We are all in this together." They also launched a fundraiser to create new outdoor spaces: "Help us transform our outdoor amphitheatre into a flexible event space. With current social distancing measures in place as a result of COVID-19, we need to think creatively to look for alternative ways to gather as a school community."

2020-11-05

St. Mary's Humanitarians' Effort for Hurricane Eta Relief

Hurricane Eta created catastrophic damage in Honduras. St. Mary's University's Humanitarians have created an go-fund me account in effort to provide relief for the people affected. This shows how the university comes together to serve others on a global scale, even when it faces its own local challenges during the Covid19 pandemic. Because St. Mary's University has students of diverse backgrounds, and international students from Honduras this effort is symbolic of the unconditional support that the St. Mary's community aims to offer these students.

2020-10-30

Food donations during the pandemic

This tweet is from the St. Louis Area Foodbank urging people to donate food to their organization. Due to restrictions from the pandemic, the food bank offers contactless pickup, allowing citizens to drop off their donations without risk of getting sick. This allows them to help their communities without spreading the virus.

2020-07-02

Jewish Melbourne: Chevra Hatzolah 'Beyond the Crisis' fundraiser

Facebook post thanking people for their contribution to the Chevra Hatzolah 'Beyond the Crisis' fundraiser. The post says: "During the Pandemic, Hatzolah’s focus has been directed at continuing our emergency response, Responder and patient safety, and community education through online media. Working together with community groups such as the Covid-19 Taskforce, CSG and Ambulance Victoria, keeping our community safe was the primary objective. However we also incurred huge expenses and needed to replenish funds used to purchase large volumes of expensive PPE, and still have enough for us to emerge and grow Beyond the Crisis. All of us at Hatzolah Melbourne have been humbled by the outpouring of moral and financial support during the “Beyond the Crisis” campaign, and express our sincere thanks to the community. In spite of the financial strains being felt across the board, the community has shown us incredible support and we are extremely grateful. We wish everyone good health, and look forward to continuing to serve the community, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week."

2020-03-31

Jewish Melbourne: ' Rabbinical Council of Victoria (RCV) Pesach Guidelines regarding Covid-19 Situation compiled in consultation with the Melbourne Beth Din'

This provides the Rabbinical Council of Victoria Guidelines for Covid-19 and Pesach, under a number of sections: Inviting guests for Yom Tov; Use of ZOOM for Pesach Seder; Yahrzeit Commemoration; Reaching out to the Vulnerable; Tzedaka – Charity

2020-07-25

Danville School Lunch Delivery Service "ChoiceLunch" Helping Serve The Community

An East Bay school lunch delivery company is switching gears to help serve the community during the coronavirus pandemic. KCBS Radio's Carrie Hodousek has details of the partnership between ChoiceLunch in Danville and the Alameda County Food Book.

A screenshot of a youtube video entitled "Helping Our Community: Thrive Not Just Survive".

2020-04-03

Thrive Not Just Survive - A series

In March 2020 when we in Australia were first told to head into lockdown stage 3, I realised that my community although initially bought together in our mutual interest in renovation and property investing were also now all in this time together and I could use my networks and platform to assist us all during this time. So instead of selling courses I concentrated on bringing together experts to assist my community. I also incentivised people in joining my community by encouraging them to donate to Kids Help Line (who needed resources desperately as they only could answer 40% of the 9000 calls they were getting a week) by giving them for free access to my Your Property Success Club (normally $695pa). I raised $10,000 in 14 days for KHL and helped my community through the initial confusion and stress of the shutdown. I have received so many messages about how these trainings helped and served and I am so grateful for the support of my friends, family and network who quickly responded and gave their time so I could interview them over the 3 week period that these 15 episodes were recorded.

05/15/2020

Julie West Oral History, 2020/05/15

This is an Oral History interview with Julie West by interviewer Anjelica Oswald from May 15, 2020. Julie West speaks about being physical ed teacher, being a city council member, changes in her day to day life, and running a non-profit organization charity. This interview was recorded as part of The Covid 19 Oral History Project, a project of the IUPUI Arts and Humanities Institute associated with The Journal of a Plague Year: A Covid 19 Archive.

2020-07-09

Lock down libraries in remote Peru

I saw this tweet about a rural library fund, and thought it was really interesting that there is a charity providing access to books for people in remote Andean communities in Peru. I watched some of the Zoom recording to learn about it, and it seems really encouraging that this type of charity work is continuing despite COVID-19. Providing physical books to students in remote areas is such a worthy cause, and one that can really fracture along class lines due to cost and accessibility.

2020-06-26

An Act of Kindness

Street photographer, Alex Stemplewski, decided to gift a mask and $100 to homeless people he encountered in San Francisco. This video shows Alex's generosity and the genuine gratitude of the recipients of this act of kindness. Many people in the video are masked reminding the viewer of the presence of the COVID-19 pandemic.

2020-04-27

Local Ohio Church Donates Food to Community for those in Need

Pastor Gray from Zion Baptist Church in Chillicothe, Ohio shares photograph on Facebook of food ready to be donated to local people in need amid COVID19.

2020-04-23

House of Hope Food Pantry Donations

This Facebook post by House of Hope Food Pantry in Wakefield, Virginia showcases some of the donations made to the food pantry following the outbreak of Covid-19

2020-04-18

One world together at Home

The concert is organized by Lady Gaga. Many famous artists were performed in this online show. It is free and people could donate money to support the Covid-19 pandemic. It is also an action to encourage people to stay at home.

2020-04-29

support from the fashion brand

Supreme made this Covid-19 Relief Box logo tee to support the American. All the profit from this t-shirt will proceed to HELP USA. As a leader in the industry, it set a good example for the other companies.

Image of a long line of cars waiting at a food bank.

04/25/2020

Long Line For Food Bank-Fairplex Pomona

This is a photo I took from my phone while inside my brother's car as we waited in line for over two hours to reach the food bank on April 25, 2020 at the Pomona Fairplex

Screenshot of information page regarding "Jazz & Heritage Relief Fund - Mardi Gras Indians"

2020-05-08

Jazz & Heritage Relief Fund for Mardi Gras Indians, New Orleans, LA

The Jazz & Heritage Music Relief Fund is a statewide relief fund to support members of the Louisiana music performance community who have lost income amid the COVID-19 pandemic. This particular fund aims at providing financial assistance to Masking Mardi Gras Indian Groups/ Black Masking Indian Groups.

Screenshot of Facebook group page "WV Food ER 2020" showing the post about "Find Services in West Virginia - Rapid Response WV"

05/07/2020

Food insecurity Facebook group

Facebook is a great place for groups to communicate and seek help. Rapid Response WV created a community group for West Virginians who may be experiencing food insecurity. With a loss of jobs, people may be struggling to afford food and this group acts as a resource to those who may need it. #NortheasternJOTPY *Anjelica Oswald, Northeastern University

A family posing with phones in front of a house.

2020-04-24

Arizona Front Porch Project #24

Local photographers, inspired by other groups across the country, are offering families photo sessions from the safety of their own front porches. The Arizona Front Porch Project photographers are donating 30% of proceeds to local charities. Families choose props and locations, and can get creative with their photo sessions.

Two people posing behind toiletries and a laptop in front of their garage.

2020-04-24

Arizona Front Porch Project #23

Local photographers, inspired by other groups across the country, are offering families photo sessions from the safety of their own front porches. The Arizona Front Porch Project photographers are donating 30% of proceeds to local charities. Families choose props and locations, and can get creative with their photo sessions.

A family posing on their front porch wearing masks.

2020-04-24

Arizona Front Porch Project #22

Local photographers, inspired by other groups across the country, are offering families photo sessions from the safety of their own front porches. The Arizona Front Porch Project photographers are donating 30% of proceeds to local charities. Families choose props and locations, and can get creative with their photo sessions.

2020-04-24

Arizona Front Porch Project #21

Local photographers, inspired by other groups across the country, are offering families photo sessions from the safety of their own front porches. The Arizona Front Porch Project photographers are donating 30% of proceeds to local charities. Families choose props and locations, and can get creative with their photo sessions.

2020-04-24

Arizona Front Porch Project #19

Local photographers, inspired by other groups across the country, are offering families photo sessions from the safety of their own front porches. The Arizona Front Porch Project photographers are donating 30% of proceeds to local charities. Families choose props and locations, and can get creative with their photo sessions.

2020-03-28

When crisis arise, the community comes together.

Shortly after COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic, the United State's National Guard made an announcement for volunteers to come forward and help at the emergency food banks who were in need of serving a higher number of people due to the crisis. This picture was taken at St. Mary's Food Bank.