1. This Texas family built a stuffed animal zoo for their neighborhood to visit.

2. This Seattle-based artist translates CDC health information for Amharic-speaking people in his local Ethiopian American community.

3. Kids all over the world are drawing encouraging messages in chalk on the street.

4. This volunteer is collaborating with neighborhood businesses to make and distribute face masks in her community.

5. My neighbor waved me down on my walk, just to point out Venus shining bright in the sky. It looked beautiful.

1. Mail handmade cards to the elderly in your life, or around the country. Since they can’t have visitors, each card means so much more right now. 

2. Start tutoring, virtually! You don’t have to be an expert in math or literature to make a real difference. 

3. Set up a micro-pantry on your block where neighbors can take what they need, and leave what they can. 

4. Check in with someone! This Girl Scout troop leader ran 46 miles to check in with all 52 kids in her troop. (A phone call is perfectly fine too, though!)

Your turn! How have you been connecting with your neighbors? Send me your stories at lizzy@idealist.org, or just reply to this email!