This post is updated regularly with stories of people helping others in their communities and around the world during the coronavirus pandemic.
School closures. Nursing home visitation restrictions. International travel bans. These are definitely trying times. And it’s easy to get scared, especially because there’s no real way of knowing how long the coronavirus scare will last — and how it will all eventually unfold. But instead of panicking, it's sometimes better to channel that energy towards doing something positive. So how can you be a helper during the coronavirus pandemic?
That’s what Mr. Rogers would tell you to do. His “look for the helpers” quote is famous in its simplicity to help soothe the soul of both young and old (and everyone in between) in times of turmoil. Here’s the quote, published in the Mister Rogers Parenting Book, in case you’ve never read it before:
“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.'”
Becoming a helper can create calm and lessen the chaos that has come with this COVID-19 pandemic. It propels people into positive action as opposed to worrying and being afraid.
Here are some examples of people who have already heeded Mr. Rogers’ advice. They are helping their communities (in ways both big and small) to work together to make life better during the outbreak. You might just become inspired by their stories and look for ways to become a helper, too. Mr. Rogers would be proud.