Serve It Up! (or Out)

During this crazy COVID-19 crisis, many of us are looking for ways to serve without being expose the general public. Some are delivering food to children from school busses, because the schools are closed. Many are working extra hours at the local food pantry to see that the community has food to sustain the families that are at a higher hunger risk. Even our emergency responders are delivering meals to the elderly shut-ins that can't get out to get food for themselves.

It's funny how communities can come together during a crisis. Much like the attack of 9-11, these tend to be times that we rally together to help one another. For the most part, that is the case. Sadly, there are those out there who don't seem to take the problem seriously. People coughing on money at restaurants, deliberately coughing and hacking all over food in the grocery stores, even those who are not listening to recommendations of social distancing, are the ones who concern us. I also despise the criminals who are trying to take advantage of the weak for their own profit. Oh, that everyone could be considerate and not selfish in times like these.

If you are looking for a way to serve but don't want to be out in public, consider donating blood or plasma to your local blood bank. Keep your eyes open for rolling blood drives. The blood bank is extremely low right now, so they are asking those who are willing to come in and donate. By contacting the Red Cross (www.redcross.org), you can find out where your local blood donation center is located. They will also be able to tell you of any local mobile blood drives going on in your area. If you are not able to give blood due to health reasons, you may give a donation toward their efforts of saving lives.

Giving blood also solves the problem of blood shortages. Having a better supply of blood allows the doctors to help the patients in life threatening situations. I've given you a way to serve your community by giving blood, a way to solve a blood shortage issue by giving blood, and a way to learn how to give blood. In the meantime, good luck with your ventures of serving, solving, and learning.