Movie Theaters, Broadway Plays, Vacation Travel, Operas, Ballets, Houses of Worship, Parades, Restaurants, Bars, Night Clubs, Retail Stores, Professional & Amateur Sports --- all closing or limiting attendance in an effort to contain the spread of a virus.
Also impacted by mass gathering and social
distancing limits? Volunteerism.
Many charities, organizations, and individuals
that rely on the kindness and efforts of volunteers are going to be hit hard.
We will all need to be flexible and devise workarounds during this challenging
period. While this might seem like the time to hunker down and take care of
your own, please consider those that have nowhere to hunker or no-one to hunker
with.
Meals programs are just one of several that are
impacted. Many of you may know that I lead a meals program at my local Ronald
McDonald House. 70+ volunteers of different backgrounds, abilities, and skills
all come together to cook brunch or dinner for the families whose children are
in an area hospital (Maria Fareri Children's Hospital, Blythedale Children's
Hospital, Westchester Medical Center).
Here’s what we are doing: We’re reducing the
number of cooks by 2/3 and staggering arrivals into the kitchen for each meal.
We’re cooking for more people by limiting the menu items. We’re reinforcing and
reminding the volunteers of good food prep and hygiene practices; gloves have
always been a part of our prep due to the fragile health of the patients. Some
volunteers are choosing to buy pre-made dishes from commercial kitchens and
dropping those off, thereby limiting the # of new people in the house. Others
are buying pantry items off the Ronald McDonald House Amazon Wish List. All are
being flexible and understanding. I love the big hearts of our volunteers and I
know the families appreciate this more than ever.
There’s an impact to the volunteers as well. Those
of you who lead groups, will need to keep your volunteers engaged, motivated,
and open to change. For the time being in our meals program, there will be a little less camaraderie in the kitchen during prep, a lot less socializing after the
meal, and scant few, if any, photos of the delicious food. Families will still
get fed because of the volunteers and that’s what it is all about. Be sure to
recognize their flexibility and thank them.
I ask that you please take a fresh look at
programs and the need in your community and see where and how you can help. The
need will be greater than ever. If you’d like to bounce ideas off me, please do
not hesitate to reach out.
#changemanagement #flexible
#community #volunteer
#giveback #givelocal #give
#westchester #hudsonvalley
#ronaldmcdonaldhouse #mealsthatheal #keepingfamiliesclose #mealsfromtheheart
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