Although we're moving to a safer-at-home status starting on Monday, April 27th, many people are still encouraged to spend a majority of time at their home. Check out this list of ideas on how to make someone's day a little brighter with small (or big) acts of kindness.
Order a To-go Meal from Your Favorite Restaurant
Restaurants are still required to have their sit-down dining areas closed, but many have remained open by offering take-out food and drinks. Check out our list of open restaurants in the area.
Treat Yourself to a Salon or Spa Visit
Spas and salons can reopen as long as they follow specific regulations after being completely closed. Book yourself an appointment with your favorite hairstylist, nail technician, or massage therapist if you can leave your house safely. Not only will you be getting some pampering, but you're supporting a local business in need!
Support Local Retailers by Shopping Online
Local retailers can reopen on May 1st as long as they have social distancing plans in place, but until then you can support your favorite businesses by ordering items and gift cards online! Consider shopping local for essential items.
Deliver Groceries to Elderly
Our elderly population is still in a high risk category. Consider taking groceries to your elderly neighbors if they are in need of anything (or just bring them a special treat from your next scheduled grocery run or baking day!). You can also offer to help them set up a grocery delivery service to have groceries delivered straight to their door. Find a list of grocery delivery services here.
Create a Care Package for a Local Hospital
Our frontline health care workers are working so hard trying to combat this virus. Show your appreciation for all that they are doing by sending a care package to your local hospital. Items that you could include are lotion, hand sanitizer, snacks, giftcards to local restaurants, bath bombs, or gum (always check with your local hospital first).
Create an Obstacle Course in Your Neighborhood
As parents try to avoid playgrounds, walks have been a popular way to get children outside. Make the neighborhood kids smile by creating an obstacle course on the sidewalks with chalk. This article is filled with some ideas on how to create one.
Send Handmade Cards to Local Nursing Homes
Currently, visitors are not allowed in nursing homes. Making handmade cards to send to a nursing home shows them they are not alone or forgotten during this time.
Donate to Community Food Share
Community Food Share is a non-profit food bank that helps individuals and families needing food in Boulder and Broomfield Counties. As a food bank, they also contribute to local food pantries within the counties. They are currently looking for monetary donations to help with the increase of people seeking their assistance. Click here to donate. If you want to know more about this amazing organization click here.
Pick up Litter on the Sides of the Road
Litter on the sides of the road is a regular occurrence and with fewer cars on the road it's easier to help keep the environment more clean. Enjoy the fresh air by going on a walk and bring some plastic bags with you to pick up trash (and of course make sure you wear appropriate gloves to keep yourself safe). You'll be getting some time out of the house while keeping you community trash free.
Cook a Meal for a Friend Treating COVID-19
Many people have been ill or treating someone who is ill with COVID-19. Cooking meals or dropping off fresh fruits and vegetables on a doorstep, as well as some throat lozenges, can be a thoughtful gift. If the family has children, drop off a letter or activity to help break up the monotony and stress.
Donate Unused Goods
Get rid of the clutter in your house by donating to organizations in need. Check out our list of places to donate your items here.
Foster an Animal
Animal shelters have been directly affected by COVID-19 and need help to take care of animals in their facilities. If you want to care of an animal while you are staying home, reach out to your local shelter to see if they are looking for people to foster any animals.
Donate Blood
With a higher influx of people at hospitals, blood donors are much needed. Please only donate blood if you are able to leave the house and not experiencing any symptoms. Check out this article for which facilities are currently accepting blood donations (make sure to call ahead, as things can change on a day-to-day basis).
Schedule a Virtual Coffee or Lunch Date with Friends
Check in with your friends and see how they are doing. Some may need a shoulder to cry on or someone to vent to. Schedule a virtual coffee over video chat platforms like Facebook Messenger, Zoom, Skype, or Facetime. If you want to go the extra mile, buy all your friends a meal from a favorite local restaurant delivered to their house, so you can do "lunch" or "dinner" together via video chat.
Adopt a Local 2020 High School or College Graduate
Currently high school and college graduations have been canceled or are utilizing virtual methods to celebrate with graduates. Celebrate this amazing accomplishment with these students by "adopting" one to shower with love. Decorate the outside of their house with celebratory decor, send a graduation care package, or any other fun way to show that this achievement is still worth celebrating.
Create an Art Kit to Send to Families with Kids
This could be as simple as finding some coloring books, crayons, and a simple slime recipe to send to families with kids or purchasing a premade art kit to keep kids entertained for hours. Click here for a painting kit for kids.
Make Masks for Individuals and Businesses in Need
Masks are currently scarce, which makes it hard for those who truly need one to find some. Consider making homemade masks for those in need if you have the capability. Reach out to local hospitals, nursing homes and look on through your community's Facebook groups and Nextdoor to find those who may be looking for this resource.