The pandemic took the world by storm. For a little more than a year, we have been trying to find ways to cope and conquer it. With no surprise, Bostonians have shown their resiliency and strength by coming together to create initiatives that are designed to help one another.  

Community Fridges

These are probably some of the most innovative inventions to come out of the COVID pandemic. If you haven’t heard of them, community fridges are fridges that are filled with non-perishable food that are placed outside for those facing food insecurity. You may find community fridges in random places while walking around. 

I first learned about them while strolling through Cambridge when I stumbled upon one sitting outside a restaurant. There was a woman that was filling it up with food who explained to me that the community fridge motto is “Give what you can, take what you need”. Volunteers will keep the fridges stocked with donated food for whomever to take what they need. I thought that this idea was brilliant because it helps so many people during these difficult times. With many jobs lost in Boston due to the pandemic, we may not be aware of how many people are struggling to find food for themselves. These fridges are a great way to help each other and show the love that Bostonians have for each other. 

Supporting Local Businesses & Restaurants 

Back in March 2020, Massachusetts was on full lockdown. All indoor dining was shut down as well as some restaurants for takeout. Nobody was going anywhere due to the high-risk position of Massachusetts trying to minimize the spread of the virus. As a result, hundreds of restaurants and small businesses had to permanently close their doors. Many Bostonians felt the pain of their favorite local restaurant that they had been going to for years closing. As a result, the City of Boston has created a web page supporting restaurants that are still running as well as hoping to keep struggling ones open. Restaurants are able to register themselves to be on the web page that will display their status, outside/indoor seating, delivery, amongst other information about them. Boston is seeing an influx of traffic towards the small businesses that are struggling. The city wants to keep its small businesses afloat during these tough times. If you want to help and get involved then go out to eat and shop at your local small businesses!

Volunteering

Due to the pandemic, there has been an increase in urgency from Bostonians to help those in need by volunteering. We all know that this pandemic has affected every single person in some capacity-- some more than others. Those who want to make a difference have been volunteering through the City of Boston, which has set up a web page for those who are interested in volunteering to sign up. Places that are looking for volunteers are food distribution sites, informational literature drops, assistance with driving or delivering materials to people, and general volunteer work. So far we have seen the love that Bostonians have for each other through the support within the community during these trying times. If you would like to do your part, there are so many opportunities to step up and improve the lives of those struggling from the pandemic. Click here to sign up for volunteer opportunities!