Covid-19 and our Community

BE THE CHANGE: 7 WAYS TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE WHILE SOCIALLY DISTANCING

Our community is one that embodies resiliency and compassion. Though we’re navigating through a public health crisis and economic hardship, the question we’re most frequently asked is, “how can I help my community while practicing social distancing?”. The following is a list of suggested ways to help during these uncertain times.

Volunteer Matchmaking:
Across the country, United Way chapters have launched a volunteer matchmaking service. To find safe volunteer opportunities near you, contact your local United Way branch.
United Way of Southern Nevada: https://www.uwsn.org/volunteer
United Way of Northern Nevada and the Sierra:  https://www.uwnns.org/volunteer

Give Blood:
As the COVID-19 pandemic deepens, so does the need for blood. Contact your local blood bank to schedule an appointment.

Online Purchases:
When shopping online, be sure to make purchases through Amazon Smile (smile.amazon.com) to have a portion of your purchase donated to your favorite charity. Also, through Amazon Smile’s “Charity List” you can purchase non-profit wish list items and donate them directly to the organization (smile.amazon.com/charitylists).

Share Your Skills Virtually: 
Check-in with your favorite non-profit and ask how you can share your skills virtually. Are you a good writer? - help write grants. Are you a lawyer? - offer to review documents. Are you in PR/marketing? - offer to help spread the word about non-profit needs. Non-profits are at their capacity right now and can use all the help they can get!

Take Advantage of “The CARES Act” When Making a Donation:
The CARES Act includes a universal charitable giving incentive for contributions made in 2020 of up to $300. This incentive lets non-itemizers take up to $300 ($600 for a married couple) “above-the-line” adjustment to income that will reduce a donor’s adjusted gross income, and thereby reduce taxable income. There are also new deduction limits for individuals and corporations who itemize. Research the CARES Act and consult a financial expert for more information.

Kindness Matters:
Studies show that performing acts of kindness for others boosts serotonin levels, the neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of satisfaction and well-being. Examples include:

• Sending thank you notes via mail or posting on social media, to first responders and healthcare workers.  The Las Vegas Police Department reports that they start their daily meetings reading the “thank you” notes from the community to the entire squad. 

• Search for a senior center or nursing home in your area and contact them to let them know you would like to write letters or cards. They can let you know any specific requests, and where to send the finished product.

• If you have elderly neighbors or friends, call them to see how they’re faring. If you don’t know your neighbors, use the Next Door app, your Facebook community group or other neighborhood communication apps to comment and offer to do non-contact chores, like putting the trash out, getting the mail or mowing the lawn or running errands for them including picking up food for seniors or the immunocompromised.

Embrace A Hobby:
Many nonprofit organizations are in need of supplies. While at home, get your creative juices flowing by doing something crafty like knitting blankets or hats, sewing non-surgical masks, or making bags that can be used for food distribution.

Contact us should you want to further discuss: connect@moonridgegroup.com.  

Together, we will get through these difficult times!

Announcing a food delivery program for the most vulnerable in our community

Learn more about the program and how you can help.

COMMUNITY IN ACTION