{"id":392,"date":"2020-05-05T08:00:15","date_gmt":"2020-05-05T08:00:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.softerware.com\/social-good\/?p=392"},"modified":"2021-03-25T14:49:53","modified_gmt":"2021-03-25T14:49:53","slug":"acts-of-kindness-through-covid-19","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.softerware.com\/social-good\/volunteerism\/acts-of-kindness-through-covid-19\/","title":{"rendered":"Acts of Kindness Through COVID-19"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

by your friends at SofterWare<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Working at a company who serves nonprofits, the Team at SofterWare is constantly reminded of the amazing ways everyday people organize to advocate for those in need. Thank you for continuing to fight for the populations you serve through your mission. Now especially, you inspire us to follow your example.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In honor of #GivingTuesdayNow, we\u2019d like to share with you how we\u2019re giving back during this time of crisis. <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019re hosting virtual auctions.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Schools are closed, which means the children who relied on their meal programs could be going without. Our GivesBack Committee members, Kathy P., Beth C., Jackie T., Lindsey M., and Eleanor S. each baked sweet treats to auction off in their own virtual auction to benefit No Kid Hungry<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Together, the top bidders, Terri W., Mike S., Kathy P., Carl M., Eleanor S., Miranda M., and Laura S. raised $564<\/strong>! Now they\u2019ll have extra special desserts to look forward to when we\u2019re able to safely return to the office.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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We\u2019re answering hotlines.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

With conflicting information about COVID-19 on the internet, the public is – understandably – seeking a reliable source of truth. But with such high call volumes overwhelming public health organizations, a separate hotline for COVID-19 related questions was created.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of our employees, in addition to the regular duties of their 9-5, is devoting their weekends to volunteering for this hotline to answer the community\u2019s questions and provide resources. To protect their anonymity, we cannot publicly recognize this person by name, but their devotion of time and energy just couldn\u2019t go without mention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019d like to volunteer for a COVID-19 hotline, you must be a Medical Reserve Corps volunteer. More information here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019re treating first responders.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It goes without saying that some of our biggest heroes through this crisis are our first responders. They\u2019re risking their own health every day to protect us. To say thanks, we\u2019re providing them with meals from our local businesses to bring some cheer to their long days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here in Philadelphia, what many others refer to as \u201csubs\u201d or \u201cheroes,\u201d we call \u201choagies.\u201d And they\u2019re a local delicacy! Our GivesBack Committee members Jeff V. and Eleanor S. coordinated Hoagies for Heroes, raising over $1,200 (That\u2019s over 200 hoagies!) for the staff at our local hospitals and police departments. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of our account managers, Paula B., along with a group from her neighborhood, are cooking meals for first responders. The idea became so popular that they\u2019re now on a monthly rotation!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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We\u2019re donating blood.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Yes, you can still donate blood, despite social distancing requirements! You can check with your local YMCA<\/a> to see if they\u2019re hosting a blood drive, alongside the Red Cross<\/a> (participants must stay six feet apart, of course). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of our account managers, Tom K., made his donation. His message to others: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBored? Get out of the house and do some good! Just your time and a little pin prick. You’ll be helping people who depend on your donation.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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We\u2019re making masks.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When our friends and family in healthcare saw a shortage of masks, we responded by making and delivering our own. 
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Our employees Colleen M., Melissa Y., Becky S., Deb B., and Beth C. have collectively, with their families, sewn nearly 400 masks <\/strong>(and counting!).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Want to pitch in? You can follow the same instructions if you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n