Uplifting Stories From Our Community: Look for the Helpers
By Chelsea Rose Moore
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ith March dominated by news of COVID-19, it’s easy to feel disheartened by business closures, economic uncertainty, and social distancing. In hard times, communities often band together, but quarantines have required us to come together in more unusual ways. Fred Rogers said, “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’” I’ve been keeping my eyes open for the “helpers,” and have been truly astounded at how many people are coming together during this time. I’ve seen neighbors helping neighbors, communities rallying together, and strangers delivering toilet paper to elderly community members. What a beautiful picture of humanity. During this difficult season, I’ve been challenging myself every day to find things to be thankful for: taking a walk with my daughters, meeting a neighbor, enjoying a quiet picnic in the park, being blessed with more family time, staying healthy, soaking in beautiful spring weather. Simple joys that often become overlooked in life’s normal hustle and bustle. Let’s all challenge ourselves to look for the helpers and count the simple joys in our days. Here are some helpers we found throughout Middleburg and hunt country. The Town of Middleburg announced a $182K financial relief package to help residents, restaurants, and non-profits. The pack-
age gave residents $20 meal vouchers to spend at restaurants in Middleburg. Additionally, the town resolved not to shut water service off for customers who could not pay their bills and is crediting residents $200 on their May utility bills. The package contributed $16,750 to three area nonprofit organizations. Some locals began their own delivery service to meet the needs of their community. Middleburg resident Noel Ryan rose to the occasion, writing, “Any business in town, please contact me. I am available to deliver food and product to your customers. I will
One of the Little Free Libraries in Marshall stocked with food. Photo by Jennifer Gray.
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APRIL 2020
leave deliveries at customer gate. For locals, help out our small businesses, call your order in and I’ll deliver, for a fee.” Robin and Gayden Parker offered help too: “If anyone needs anything picked up if they can’t or are afraid to go out right now, we can run errands or pick up groceries, meds or whatever is needed.” Lisa Weisert offered to do porch notarization, sharing: “If anyone in Middleburg needs a document notarized during these difficult times, I am more than happy to come by your Community | Page 5