Our lives have certainly changed dramatically over the past four weeks (has it been only that long?) since stay-at-home measures broadly were put into place, schools and businesses closed, and we all became very aware of those numbers broadcast each day indicating how rapidly and devastatingly the COVID-19 virus spreads and alters lives.

Our governor ordered pretty stringent shutdowns fairly quickly (most schools closed March 16 and are now shut through the end of the school year; parks and playgrounds are also closed), and thankfully the numbers of infected and deaths both locally and at the state level have risen at a relatively slow pace. However, the economic impacts and the massive disruption to daily life have resulted in a lot of fear and anxiety for a lot of folks. But never fear, because people all over are providing new evidence of that axiom: We are at our best when things are at their worst. Some examples from just my local community follow.

Our Central Point School District #6 began prepping for remote learning even before schools shut down, initially for an extended two-week spring break. The lunch program began offering sack lunches to students in need starting March 16 and continues to provide nutrition to kids and their families. In a partnership with more than a dozen local restaurants, the district provides gift cards    to families from those restaurants which remain open for delivery and take-out service. With options ranging from barbecue and pizza to Thai and Mexican food, community members can purchase the gift cards in any amount and donate them to the program, helping both hungry families and businesses that are struggling to survive at this time.

The district also offers its D6 Connected program during the shutdown, offering everything from mental health services (with telephone and video visits) to technical support for parents and students tackling remote learning. Its D6 Connected Express buses run 12 daily routes into neighborhoods to deliver meals and other items to students at designated stops.    While promoting physical distancing, these stops also allow kids to still feel connected to their school community.

Beyond the schools, people are finding ways to contribute. Anyone with N95 face masks, gloves, extra disinfecting wipes and the like can drop them off at the local fairgrounds to be distributed to first responders and health care providers. Those with sewing skills crank out face masks (now requested to be worn by everyone in public), while those with 3D printers and the know-how make the headbands for face shields and other PPE items in short supply.    Local manufacturers have switched from producing their usual products to making components for ventilators and medical gowns. Good souls volunteer to shop for those whose health or age issues make it unsafe for them to enter stores. Credit unions and banks are extending help and relief on loans and payments, while some stores are offering free delivery or curbside pick-up of orders placed over the phone or online.

And in virtually every neighborhood, folks are finding ways to connect with each other while abiding by physical distancing requirements. Teddy bears and other stuffed animals began appearing in windows in the last few weeks for “bear hunts,” and now Easter eggs of all colors and sizes are appearing as well for remote hunts to replace the traditional Easter egg hunts we used to enjoy.    I notice many more families out walking or riding bikes together, and on my own walks I’ve noticed other strollers as well as homeowners in their yards far more willing to say hello and engage in conversation than before. The other day I saw a young man sitting at the entrance to his open garage and playing his guitar and singing, providing a little entertainment to all within earshot. I waved to thank him and he nodded in acknowledgment, and I wondered if such a scene would have occurred a month ago.

So there is light in the darkness, and people are finding ways to connect with each other and help those in need. Let’s hope that when this crisis is past, we don’t forget the lessons learned from it and we don’t abandon those acts of kindness that bring out the best of our humanity.

— Patty Vanikiotis, associate editor/copy editor