Snowtorious B.I.G, Snowmaggedon, SnOMG – What you can do to help
The Washington Metropolitan Area has been inundated with snow for almost an entire week. Schools, businesses, even the Federal Government have shut down. Today, local jurisdictions, called in the snowplows because the conditions have been too hazardous. It’s bad out there people.
While many of us are taking advantage of this time off from work or using this time to telecommute there are many that will be suffering over the next few weeks. ShannonRenee pointed out in her Twitter post that as we’re praying for the homeless we need to pray for small businesses that are also hit hard by this storm.
This made me think of what we can do to support our communities during the aftermath of one of the worst snow storms in D.C.’s history:
Support Local Businesses
Local small businesses were already struggling during these challenging economic times, but to add insult to injury they have lost a considerable amount of business and revenue. This includes local street vendors, small businesses, transportation companies, childcare providers, and so many more.
What you can do to help:
Take time to bypass the big chains like Wal-Mart and Target and shop at local convenience shops and small businesses. Spend your dollars at businesses that directly impact our local community. Try purchasing your liquor from the local corner store, buying gas from the small independent gas station, taking your computer issues to a local business not Best Buy, dining at a locally-owned restaurant instead of a big chain establishment or purchase your coffee from a local vendor and skip Starbucks for a day (yes, I recognize this may be challenging!).
Support Low-Income Families
Large school systems in the area are filled with students receiving free or reduced-priced lunches. In the D.C. school system, where more than 70 percent of the children are eligible for free and reduced price lunch, the school day was the only opportunity for children to have a decent meal. The goal of the free and reduced lunch program is to protect the health and well being of the children by providing nutritious school meals every day. Many businesses have been forced to close due to inclement weather forcing low-income workers, who tend to be hourly and not eligible for leave,to see smaller paychecks. If they don’t work, they don’t make money.
What you can do to help:
If you are financially able to help a low-income family, please take them some groceries or offer a gift card to a local grocer. It can be as simple as picking up some extra fruit or microwaveable meals that you catch on sale. If you can make it to a local food bank – Capital Area Food Bank, Manna Food Bank, Federation of Virginia Food Banks – drop off some cans of nonperishable food or donate online. Perhaps the parents will be able to work overtime to compensate for recent business closings, offer to provide childcare for so they can work a few extra hours.
Donate to Local Shelters
Children are going to be trudging through snow and ice for a few weeks while we wait for this weather to disappear. The homeless will need to replace their clothing, blankets, and shoes. Wearing wet clothing for an extended period of time in cold weather can result in frostbite and could eventually require amputation. Local nonprofit organizations will also be inevitably burdened with more demand as low-income families struggle with the extra cost of food and energy expenses.
What you can do to help:
Take time to clean out your closets of decent condition items that no longer fit, you haven’t worn in awhile, or simply no longer need. Donations can include (new) underwear and socks or gently used winter coats, jeans, sweaters, shoes, boots, and gloves and scarves. You can help by visiting a local retailer and picking up a few inexpensive items to donate to your local nonprofit. Cash donations are also appreciated and a tax benefit for those that itemize. Give to organizations that deal directly with the community on a daily basis. You can also call a local nonprofit to find out what they desperately need.
Check on the Elderly and Disabled
Many elderly and disabled residents live alone and may not be able to properly care for themselves. These vulnerable groups are especially at high risk due to poor health and isolation. According to the Northeast States Emergency Consortium, people over 60 years of age account for half of all exposure-related deaths.
What you can do to help:
Knock on the door! Check on the status of the elderly and disabled. Make sure they have heat and enough food, if not, bring them a space heater or some groceries. With the Metro shutting down, many residents have not been able to make it to the pharmacy, ensure they have enough medication if not do a run to the pharmacy. Ask them about any upcoming important doctor appointments. Check their living conditions – make sure they don’t have leaks, broken windows allowing cold air to enter, and if you can make sure the building structure is secure. If you are physically able, shovel their walkway.
While this storm has been a break for many, it’s a reminder that we are an interdependent community vulnerable to weather. We must continue to support and help one another whenever possible. Every little bit helps.
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