Source: SDI Productions / Getty
I can’t say in good conscience that there is a silver lining to the coronavirus pandemic. I don’t think that would be fair to those who are currently fighting for their lives or worried about people fighting for their lives. It certainly wouldn’t be fair to say that to health care workers who are currently going into work, uncertain that their own health will be protected while they save lives (while volunteers work hard to sew face masks at home for these brave individuals. There is no silver lining, and I want it to be over as quickly as possible, just like everyone else does. But I will say that, when we face challenges like these, the goodness in people can really come out. A lot of people around the world feel compelled to help in any way they can, big or small. They aren’t all wealthy or of great means, but they’re sharing what they have to share.
There have been hundreds of heartwarming stories that have come out of this crisis. It’s been amazing to see how so many individuals have been able to turn their usual self-centric perspective—make money, advance career, plan vacation—into a selfless, community-focused perspective. Maybe people are realizing that none of it—money or career gains—are really worth it if society collapses, or if their loved ones aren’t here to share that with them. People are what make life worth living, as demonstrated by the humans in the incredible stories I’ve been reading about.
We probably all have something that, someone else desperately needs right now. A little extra cash. Some food. Some toilet paper. A joke. A smile. I hope these stories motivate you to ask yourself what do you have that you can share, and who needs it right now? Here are heartwarming stories that have come out of the coronavirus pandemic.
A sky-high graduation
Four seniors on the volleyball team at Briercrest College in Saskatchewan, Canada didn’t get to see their traditional graduation this year, as it was cancelled due to the COVID-19 outbreak. But they still received a surprise graduation ceremony on their WestJet flight home. After flight attendants got the news that the girls’ official graduation had been cancelled, they put on a whole production, complete with diplomas, and calling each girl to the front to be honored.
Masks for the elderly
One Singapore resident named Jennifer Le was worried about the hundreds of elderly individuals who have to stand outside, exposed to risk while waiting in line for pharmacies and markets. There’s a shortage of masks where she lives, so she ordered masks from Vietnam to hand out to the elderly she saw waiting in public spaces.
Toilet paper angels
These two cuties and bffs in Queensland, Australia have used their own allowance to buy toilet paper and deliver it to elderly neighbors. They’ve been bringing their supplies around the neighborhood in a cart, making sure that the most at-risk group doesn’t need to go without bathroom tissue right now.
Source: Roberto Machado Noa / Getty
This munchkin is helping the elderly, too
Seven-year-old Cavanaugh Bell of Maryland used the $600 he’d saved from multiple birthdays and holiday gift money to put together care packages for the elderly and others affected by the pandemic. This ambitious kiddo also started a non-profit called “Cool and Dope,” through which he hopes to eliminate all bullying and youth suicide. I don’t know what his parents are doing, but they’re doing it right.
Grandma’s birthday wouldn’t be missed
This family isn’t allowed to visit their 95-year-old grandma in her nursing facility right now, as outsiders have been prohibited due to the pandemic. But that didn’t stop them from throwing a party for granny outside her window, complete with balloons, hats, and the family dog.
The Mets came through
Mets players Pete Alonso and Luis Rojas personally called a grandmother who has been a diehard Mets fan her whole life, but was just diagnosed with terminal cancer. The elderly woman received a video call and phone call from each respective player, and was completely floored.
https://twitter.com/caitlinc118/status/1238950148975271936
A memorable wedding anniversary
One couple in Stafford Springs, Connecticut are currently being kept apart as the wife, Nancy Shellard, is in a nursing home with Alzheimer’s and her husband, Bob Shellarnd, is prohibited from visiting her during the pandemic. But that didn’t stop Bob from celebrating their 67th wedding anniversary from outside their window, because, even though he may not be able to give her a traditional anniversary gift this year, these two have never missed a wedding anniversary.
These cuties took a stroll
Shedd Aquarium in Chicago has, of course, had to shut its doors during this pandemic but they decided to let one couple enjoy the grounds. The staff allowed this bonded pair of penguins—Edward and Annie—to take a stroll around the property while it’s closed and empty.
A private concert
The bureau chief of Enquirer and USA today posted this image of her two children putting on a concert for their elderly neighbor who is currently in isolation. The son and daughter got dressed to the nines in symphony attire with a little tuxedo and gown and sat on the isolated resident’s porch to play their cellos.
A porch performance
Moved by all the other performers who have been putting on free shows via the Internet, Patton Oswalt decided to perform standup from his porch. His opening joke, “This COVID-19…I tell ya…I didn’t see one through 18!” really got me. Although the neighbors strolling by, honestly, don’t seem to understand what’s going on.
This neighborhood pantry
Residents of one Chicago neighborhood typically have a Free Library in this small casing, but during the pandemic, they’ve cleared out the books and turned it into a Free Pantry, providing supplies, and asking neighbors take what they need and leave what they can spare.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B9_z81IHREj/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Pub Grub for our heroes
The Grove Pub in Balham, London had to close their doors, as many bars and restaurants are currently doing. But they wanted to make sure that any food they’d already ordered and made that could go to waste would go to good use, so they delivered a feast to local ambulance workers.
Offering a helping hand
In London, residents are popping these letters into the mailboxes of those they believe are in need of help. They can list their name, contact info, and what services they’re willing and able to provide. It’s a safe, social-distancing way to still reach out to those in need.
Source: John Peters / Getty
This soccer star scores a goal with us
Former Manchester United footballer Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs own a chain of hotels and have offered rooms up to National Health Service workers who must be isolated from their families at this time, should their families display symptoms. Recent reports state that 35 NHS workers have checked in, and will remain for roughly 10 days.
https://twitter.com/yashar/status/1240671920875384833
Nothing stops this therapy dog
A Great Dane in Austin, Texas named Tonka is a therapy dog who typically visits members of a nursing community, but currently isn’t allowed to. However, Tonka is still going up to the windows of the resident’s, some of which have even made signs saying, “We miss you Tonka.”
Source: Dan Kitwood / Getty
Footballers score again
Because games will be cancelled during this pandemic, there was a surplus of food that had already been ordered to stadiums, with nowhere to go. So several of the sports’ top leagues including Liverpool FC, Everton, Aston Villa, and Newcastle decided to donate it to food banks.
