How can you give back to the greater community during the COVID-19 pandemic? 

Even though the Holton campus is closed, there are still ways that we can get creative and give back to the community. We are unable to use any part of Holton’s campus to host service events, but we encourage students and families to get creative in ways they can engage with those in need! 

Below are ways to virtually engage with the greater community: 

Engage with Seniors

Reach out to local senior centers and see if they are offering any “virtual pen pal” services to their residents. You can check in with them to see what they need, then possibly run errands, deliver food and medication, etc. Or simply set aside time to chat on the phone or video chat! There is a campaign to connect different generations during this time—make regular phone or video call visits to combat social isolation/loneliness. This can mean a lot to seniors in nursing homes, many of whom cannot have visitors. 

If you want a pen pal with a Holton connection, we can pair you with a Holton senior alumna! Contact Alumnae Director Amanda Hewitt. 

Food Prep and Meals

Get involved with No Kid Hungry and help provide access to meals for students who rely on school meals. 

Donate to and volunteer with your local food banks. 

Create a Little Free Pantry in your neighborhood. Little Free Pantry is a grassroots solution to help respond to immediate local need and food insecurity. The idea came from the existing Little Free Library concept. 

Childcare (Tips for Parents, And Ideas for Students Who Want to Help!)

A lot of families are balancing working at home while taking care of loved ones, especially young children. Here are 101+ ideas to keep your kids entertained during COVID-19. The YMCA has also published daily digest of ideas and resources for kids and families. 

Other ideas include virtual field trips and lessons from Scholastic’s Learn from Home website. 

Holton students: get creative! You can film yourself doing one of these activities (maybe an informational video on how to make slime) and share it with families who have young kids. If you have time, you can directly video chat with children and families and work through these projects with them! 

There are also several online tutoring options, like UPchieve. This is a “free online platform that connects low-income high school students in the U.S. with live volunteer coaches (that’s you, including high school students!) any time they need it. You can help students from anywhere with an internet connection: whether that be from your desk at work or from the comfort of your couch!” 

Foster or Adopt Shelter Animals 

Find a shelter or rescue organization near you. So many shelters have had to close down due to lack of resources and/or staff to keep their shelter running. This means there is a high demand for families who can house pets.  If you are able to, consider fostering or adopting a pet! 

Donate Blood

Healthy, eligible individuals who are interested in donating blood should check out  RedCrossBlood.org. As coronavirus cases increase, donating blood can help keep an adequate blood supply and avoid any possible shortages.

Masks

Make masks for healthcare and other essential workers. Volunteers across the country have made more than 10 million masks! If you have a sewing machine, you can join in the efforts. (Please stay tuned for more details on how Holton PUNCH students are supporting this effort and how you can team up with them!)

Spread Cheer! 

No experience required! Find little ways to spread joy and cheer in your neighborhood or on your online/social media community! 

Create sidewalk art with chalk, paint kindness rocks and hide them around your block, or organize a teddy bear hunt! 

Whatever creative, cheerful project you come up with, make sure you share it with the Holton community, too! 

Other articles and resources to check out: 

How to Get Involved with Virtual Volunteering 

9 Places to Volunteer Online (And Make a Real Impact)

Ideas to Act for the Common Good During Coronavirus Crisis 

All For Good (searchable list of virtual service opportunities)

Other ideas? Run them by Ms. Wilde, Holton Community Engagement Coordinator!