Good news still thrives amid coronavirus pandemic: How these good Samaritans are lifting up people in need

Kerry Justich
·Health and Wellness Staff Writer
Updated ·5 min read

As the days of sheltering-in-place, unemployment and confusion over the coronavirus go by, people everywhere are lifting up those in need by putting their extra time and resources to good use during this uncertain time. For many, this has come in efforts to feed their communities, while others are advocating for different groups facing new struggles. Some are even doing their part with small gestures that have made a big impact on young children and local Special Olympics athletes.

Dallas school cafeteria manager provides meals for her community

Yolanda Fisher is still receiving her paycheck from the middle school in Dallas, Texas where she works as a cafeteria manager. Even though the school’s doors are closed, Fisher has decided to not take any time off. Instead, she and a group of other cafeteria workers continue to feed students who rely on the school district for their meals by packing up a week’s worth of food for families, who can then come pick up supplies from the school’s empty cafeteria. Fisher and others offering their services have even extended help to other families in the community in need. “I just don’t want to turn someone away,” she tells Yahoo Life.

Man with hearing loss advocates for first responders to use accessibility tools

Jack Clevenger relies on a cochlear implant processor and lip-reading in order to communicate as a result of his hearing loss. But after first responders were called to his home when he collapsed in the kitchen on Easter Sunday, he quickly realized that he was extremely limited in his ability to communicate with the health care workers who came to his aid because their mouths were covered by their masks. Now, the disability and hearing loss advocate is making a difference for those in his community after working with his local fire chief to make sure that first responders are equipped with voice dictation tools while on the job. Other advocates are following in his footsteps.

FedEx driver surprises girl with cupcakes on her 6th birthday

The mother of a little girl in Indiana got her camera out when a FedEx delivery man was approaching the door on her daughter’s 6th birthday, with what the woman anticipated was a gift that the family had pre-ordered. Instead, Jodan Price, who has worked for FedEx for 36 years, showed up to the family’s door with ice cream cupcakes for the little girl as a birthday surprise that shocked the whole family. “I always tell my sons to be kind, especially now,” Price tells Yahoo Life. “I’m trying to keep everyone in good spirits.”

People find creative ways to celebrate birthdays while social distancing

People around the country have celebrated their birthdays in different ways, and with various surprises from friends and family who they’re unable to physically be with. For one woman who planned on celebrating her 40th birthday with a trip to New Orleans, her loved ones brought the festivities to Atlanta, Ga. by having a brass band be a part of her surprise birthday parade.

Sheriff's deputy's '10-a-day' challenge for Special Olympics athletes

Kristi Bridgman of Seattle, Wash., has been a deputy with the King County Sheriff’s Office for 22 years, where she’s gone above and beyond to make a difference in her community. But during a time where she’s feeling less connected to those in her community with disabilities who she’s supported so much in the past, Bridgman has gotten creative. She’s now bringing her “10-A-Day Till It’s OK” challenge to Special Olympics Washington athletes and encouraging others to do the same during a tough time.

For the latest coronavirus news and updates, follow along at https://news.yahoo.com/coronavirus. According to experts, people over 60 and those who are immunocompromised continue to be the most at risk. If you have questions, please reference the CDC’s and WHO’s resource guides.

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