By Bo Yun V. Brainerd
As we head into the new year, it’s important to help one another during the current COVID-19 pandemic as well as restore our community little by little. Here are 21 safe activities you can take part in to spread some Branford love and uplift each other into 2021!
- Reconnect with Neighbors
Host a small (~10 people) party with your neighborhood friends! Catch up together while socially distancing yourselves and wearing proper masks. Don’t forget to check in on their mental health, personal lives, and individual families!
- Coach Smaller Groups for Sports
Bring together some winter, spring or fall athletes to practice in smaller groups outside of school. Help run drills and keep each other in shape for the next possible season (Ex. Lead cross country/track runs or organize 1v1 tennis matches using the high school courts).
- Support Local Businesses
Browse around town and buy from small businesses in Branford, whether it’s from the Green or Indian Neck, the shops are perfect for birthdays, anniversaries or holidays. Try eating at or buying takeout from Branford restaurants too (Ex. The Stand, 9 East, Marco’s).
- Visit Trails or Parks
Try to get outside and walk one of the beautiful trails Branford has to offer. Make sure you’re socially distancing yourself from others and wearing masks! (Open Locations: Trolley Trails, Supply Ponds, Foote Park, Bayview)
- Donate Clothes, Toys, School Supplies or Old Electronics
Shelters and donation drop offs are in need of more supplies due to the spike in financial instability. As long as your donations are clean and properly secured, local drop offs and the Branford Goodwill will take them
- Donate Masks, Hand Sanitizer or Medical Supplies to Local Hospitals, Urgent Care Centers or any Front Line/Medical Worker
Smaller centers are still in need of supplies because of the rise in cases, don’t be shy to drop off any handmade or bought masks! Or if you know of any nurses or medical professionals, reach out and show your appreciation by making cards or dropping off supplies as well!
- Help Clean up Parks, Beaches, or Trails
Take some time and include your friends to pick up any trash located on our trails and help Branford’s wildlife thrive too during this pandemic
- Donate Blood to the Red Cross
Branford High School sponsors and hosts annual blood drives (one coming up in February). Feel free to ask BHS Student Council members for more information, you must be 18 years old or older to participate.
- Tutor a Branford Student
With online school being an unprecedented method of learning, subjects may be harder to manage and keep up with. Feel free to reach out to teachers and offer your services to help BPS students online (Facetime, Zoom, Google Meets) or socially distanced at our local libraries!
- Attend Online Community Meetings
Join a Zoom or Google Meet calls for the Board of Education or Town Hall. Remember to educate yourself on what’s going on in regards to sports, restaurants, and gyms in Branford. Use your voice and have a say in local decision making!
- Shop or Unload Groceries for Elders or Older Neighbors
Purchase groceries for those who cannot actually go into stores (allowing them to pay back of course)! Or simply offer to unpack their groceries from cars or carry them in while wearing a mask and sanitizing first!
- Find and Support a Small or Large Cause
With the surge of BLM, Politics and or New laws regarding sports, it’s time to finally use your voice and donate time or funds to important issues! Don’t be afraid to fight for what you believe in; join a facebook group, research reliable organizations and or make calls for local campaigns.
- Donate Food or Canned Goods to The Community Dining Room
The local Community Dining Room is always looking for donations but they’re in need more than ever right now! Drop off canned, baked, or boxed goods during their open hours!
- Become a Mentor
Reach out to any BPS and ask if any of the students would like experience in your field or want to simply make a connection with you. (Ex. US Weekly Social Media Director Kelly Laske and BHS Alumni spoke to high school students about her profession via Google Meet and made some connections regarding job searching)
- Join the Community Garden Group
Help the town grow and bloom in time for the spring! Everything is socially distanced and depending on the activity, masks can be worn or not worn. Since a lot of the members are more vulnerable to the virus, the Gardening group is in need of more help.
- Host a Dog Walking or Plain Walking “Party”
Invite some of your local dog lovers or promenade enthusiasts to join you when walking! Enjoy the outdoors and make sure you bring your masks and socially distance from others!
- Offer to Babysit Neighbors or Families in Need
If comfortable, offer to babysit for families in need of a babysitter, especially those with younger children who aren’t able to work from home. Be sure to ask about their COVID boundaries or whether you should wear a mask, etc.
- Volunteer Time by Driving Pre-Made Meals to Families in need
E-mail or ask any of the Community Dining Room staff if it’s possible to help drop off pre-made meals to houses. Or simply make pre-made meals from home and donate a couple to the kitchen!
- Volunteer at the local Animal Shelter
Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter is always looking for volunteers and during the pandemic, cages and spaces needed cleaning! Feel free to email staff and ask for volunteer hours or simply donate supplies like dog/cat food, beds, toys, blankets, etc.
- Record Yourself Reading Children’s Books
Teachers and Families are looking for ways to entertain their children at home especially if the parents are working from home. Record a short video of your favorite Dr. Suess book and email it to teachers or BPS librarians.
- Check in on Someone You Haven’t Talked with
It’s crucial now more than ever to communicate and talk with those who we haven’t seen in awhile. Reach out and make sure their mental health is stable and they’re okay. Make plans and or just spend some quality time with them!
2020 has been an unprecedented year filled with many obstacles but nevertheless filled with plenty of opportunities. Let’s hope this year is so much better than the last and allow us all to uplift one another into the new year!
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Tons of inspiration here! TY!
Excellent article!
Great suggestions, thanks for post!