“Some Good News” in the World

Camille Campain '23, Staff Writer

As we look at the calendar and think about the last six months of quarantine, we have missed out on so much, Easter, graduations, the Fourth of July, and college send-offs. This pandemic has completely upended our lives and will continue well past the availability of a vaccine. During these uncertain times, we turn to news coverage, which often only portrays a story of doom and gloom across the world.  In this day of modern technology with access to breaking news, we are saturated with sobering data regarding infection rates, hospitalization rates, and most unfortunate, death totals resulting from Covid-19.  It is easy to be dragged into a state of depression and despair. What we don’t hear enough about is all the good that continues in our world.  As human beings, we need to hear that good acts still exist in this world. hope is a necessary component to keep a positive outlook as we are constantly consumed with information regarding the pandemic.

Feeding America volunteers packing meals in the Arkansas Delta, one of the poorest areas in the United States. Photo courtesy of Connor Surdi.

During this pandemic, we have seen increased philanthropy to organizations that are making a difference to many people.  We need more news coverage about the inspiring stories of charitable acts. While many of these acts may be small, they do make a difference in our community. The United Way of Greater Los Angeles recorded $9.5 million of donations during the first month of quarantine. Amazingly, half of this sum came from small donations. Small acts of kindness unify a community, inspire more people to give, and remind those receiving the assistance that they are not alone. A report from Indiana University’s Women’s Philanthropy Institute (WPI) proves that 56% of U.S. households donated in some way whether through a charitable act or some donation. Feeding America has recorded that food banks across the country have distributed 1.9 billion meals in March alone, an increase of 20% over an average month. These statistics show us the willingness to give to those in need, is stronger than COVID-19. We have to come together as communities across the globe to implement positivity into our daily lives.