A few weeks since COVID-19 cases have increased in the U.S., some amazing people are using their extra time to make a difference in their own communities. This week we're giving a big shout-out to people around the country committing their time to making life better for those around them.
1. Atlanta, Georgia
Terence Lester, activist and founder of "Love Beyond Walls" saw a need in his hometown of Atlanta. Realizing the homeless population had little protection from the virus, and nowhere to even wash their hands, he installed portable sinks around the city that are regularly sanitized for anyone to use.
2. Lake City, Minnesota
https://cbsloc.al/2Rl3e2N
Five year old Axel Grisim Lopez wanted to spread hope after learning why he couldn't go to school anymore. Along with his grandmother, he started making driftwood crosses with peace messages and giving them to people in their community. Now, the duo delivers them free to people around the country. If you'd like to learn more or order a cross of hope yourself, you can contact them on their facebook page here.
3. Detroit, Michigan
https://tanksgoodnews.com/2020/04/06/detroit-man-free-gas-for-nurses/
Allen Marshall saved $900 to pay for nurses' gas on their way to work as a sign of appreciation for the work they are doing. His wife is a nurse, and wanted to do something helpful for people like her. After he ran out of money, he stayed on the sidewalk holding up a sign reading, "Thank You For All You Do!"
4. Woodford County, Kentucky
Ashley Lawrence
Ashley Lawrence, a student at Eastern Kentucky University studying education for the deaf and hard of hearing, saw a need in the deaf community for masks that can more adequately convey ASL. Along with hand motions, lip reading is an extremely important part of the language for grammar, and she decided to make these so it is easier for them to communicate while also staying safe in public. She has made dozens of these masks for free, and will soon be posting a Youtube video instructing others on how they can make them at home as well.
5. Orange Beach, Alabama
Orange Beach local Annalane Lee, along with her sister Audrey Lee saw a need in their community to help the small local businesses struggling due to high rates of quarantining in the midst of the virus. Because of this, Annalane began "The Orange Beach Photo Project," a facebook page offering 5-10 minute family photoshoots to anyone who donates to a local business. Over the last week alone, the sister-duo has organized over 31 donations and created a facebook community of people showing outward support for Orange Beach and Gulf Shores businesses, sharing their family photos and encouraging others to donate as well. You can learn more about the Orange Beach Photo Project by visiting their facebook page here.
Look out every Friday for some more good news!
If you'd like to hear some good news from the week of March 29, read our last article here: