As we have shared, a time of crisis can be a great opportunity to show your true colors and be a catalyst for bringing people together. Are you considering ways you can support those in need? Not only is it the right thing to do, it’s a great way to build trust and support among your key audiences. Here are just a few ways you can support your community in the wake of COVID-19:
FOLLOW BEST PRACTICES AND GUIDELINES: While the risk of transmission in Wisconsin remains low, precautions we are taking as a state and throughout the community are about flattening the curve and helping protect the most vulnerable members of our community. As such, we should abide by best practices and recommendations put forth by local, state and national health authorities.
VOTE ABSENTEE: Voting is important and we have an election coming up on April 7. Consider voting absentee to reduce the burden on poll workers and to help "flatten the curve." Requesting an absentee ballot is quick and easy.
GIVE BLOOD: There is a need to minimize disruptions to the blood supply in Wisconsin. It is critically important that healthy individuals continue to donate to ensure blood is available. Consider scheduling a blood donation.
DONATE FOOD: Many children rely on local school programs for breakfast and lunch, which have been interrupted by school closures. Some have recommended that households have two weeks worth of food on hand. As a result, food pantries and banks across the state want to provide that same level of preparedness to those they serve. Consider donating food and personal hygiene necessities to your local food pantry or food bank (e.g., Feeding America, Hunger Task Force or Interchange).
DONATE PRODUCTS / SERVICES: From free broadband to free at-home learning services, companies across the nation are making their products and services available and accessible. Could your business’ offerings be of value to those impacted by COVID-19?
PRACTICE PATIENCE: These are unprecedented times that call for everyone to make changes to their day-to-day lifestyles, which are, no doubt, disruptive. Practice patience with non-urgent or essential health-related matters. We’re all in this together.
In addition to these options, our friends at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel are collecting a list of ways people can help out. We encourage you to check the list to get involved or to share your own efforts.
At Mueller Communications, we love Milwaukee and Wisconsin and we believe in being good neighbors. We’ll be doing our part to support those in our community, and we encourage you to do the same. We’ll be updating this post as we learn of additional opportunities for people to make a difference in our community.