Before I get to the helpers that this blog post was originally for, I want to thank my own helpers. My parents for keeping calm, my Blogaboos for sanity tips, and all of my friends and family who have been just a text or face-time away- I think I got this, and only because I have all of you. I hope that everyone can have the kind of support network that I do, and if you don’t, I’ll be there for ya. #pinkypromise.
Mr. Rogers “Look for the Helpers” Art Print
As I said in my post yesterday, I started this blog to make connections. Originally, that meant my reader to brands. That has evolved. I’ve made some of my best friends through blogging connections. I’ve introduced friends to artists, artists to my audiences, writers to readers… making connections is truly a passion of mine.
Now more than ever, connections are important. With my increased screen time, I’m trying to find places to make more! And I’ve been finding the helpers!
I’ve blogged about Kelly Dempsey before. She was runner up on Project Runway and graciously let me interview her for my blog. She’s also been all over my Instagram stories because this angel has started not only making masks for nurses short on supplies, but she’s created a network of other makers to do the same. I’m no sewer, and I wouldn’t want to “practice” on such an important project, but I can and did donate funds to help this important cause. You can Venmo Kelly directly for assist with supply and shipping costs. (I can provide you that information if you’re interested.)
A friend of mine from college, Sam, is one of the many thousands of nurses working without proper protection. When I told him about Kelly’s project, he sent me the address of his hospital and how many masks he thought they’d need. By the next day, 20 of those masks had already been shipped by one of Kelly’s partners. I’ve also started sharing posts from Instagram that Sam sends me regarding nurses. If it’s important to him, it’s important to me and I want him to know that people are in his corner while he’s essentially on the front line.
If you’re not a maker or don’t have the means to monetarily support this cause, there are so many things you can do to help your own neighborhood that cost you nothing. I’ve tried to stay really diligent posting updates from local businesses and my favorite restaurants about what they’re offering and ways to help them. Many restaurants are setting up virtual tip jars and GoFundMes for their employees. Again, even if you can’t donate, you can share!
Last but not least (and probably really not even last) I have my own little fundraiser going on. My favorite little concert venue in VA, Jammin Java, has set up a GoFundMe for their employees. I mentioned this on my Instagram, but until they reopen, all of my royalty earnings from my Please Wash Your Hands collection will be going to that. I wanted to focus my own fundraising efforts on something specific, and a venue that has brought my so much joy that literally cannot operate right now seemed like the perfect choice.
If you see a way that you can jump in an support your neighborhood, state, friends, world right now-just do it! Finding the helpers is great, but being one is even better. Let me know ways you’ve been a helper or seen helping! I’ll take any of the positives I can get!
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