As we usually do in times of crisis, we lean on the wisdom of our predecessors. The refrain in our household for the last few weeks comes from the much-beloved Fred Rogers: “Look for the helpers.”
In a 1986 syndicated column, Rogers wrote, “There was something else my mother did that I’ve always remembered: ‘Always look for the helpers,’ she’d tell me. ‘There’s always someone who is trying to help.’ I did, and I came to see that the world is full of doctors and nurses, police and firemen, volunteers, neighbors and friends who are ready to jump in to help when things go wrong.”
In the midst of fear and uncertainty, we’ve seen the helpers emerge. Across the country and right here in our own neighborhoods, people have stepped up to make sure those most vulnerable to coronavirus get the supplies they need. Neighbors are running errands for people who shouldn’t leave their houses; strangers are helping the elderly at supermarkets.
Health care workers are giving their all to keep communities safe and to treat the ill. Grocery store workers are sanitizing stores top to bottom while keeping shelves stocked.
Unfortunately, there will always be a small handful of individuals who try to capitalize on catastrophe, like the jerk who bought over 17,000 bottles of hand sanitizer and tried to resell them at inflated prices. Fortunately, online selling platforms are cracking down on price gouging, and that individual has donated his hoard to a local church.
But the helpers will always outnumber the profiteers. Locally, multiple groups mobilized to make sure food insecure households will make it through this coronavirus-induced shutdown.
Monongalia County schools opened cafeterias so kids could come get lunch (Monday through Friday, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.).
Pantry Plus More delivered boxes with enough food to feed a family of four for three to four days to select bus stops in Mon County. Another delivery will go out Thursday.
The Mountaineer Food Bank Mobile Food Pantry made its first trip to Preston County this week. The minibus brimming with supplies provided food to 250 households.
Everywhere, individuals and organizations alike are stepping up to help those in need.
This is the amazing thing about humanity: We may be capable of great greed and cruelty, but we are also capable of limitless generosity and compassion.
It is in the dark times that humanity’s light shines the brightest. So be generous: If you have plenty, share with those who don’t have enough. If you have access, retrieve for those who cannot. If you encounter fear or anger, show kindness and patience.
Always look for the helpers. They are our family, our friends, our neighbors. They are you.
Be the good you want to see in the world. Now. And always.
Morgantown Area News
'Thursday, September 19, 2024'
