As caring Americans, we naturally want to help during this Coronavirus crisis. How can we each help? Please consider the following:
The Coronavirus crisis has created chaos for our planet and our country.
Thousands of people have been infected, and thousands have died.
However, there is another devastating consequence to this crisis — the massive number of people who find themselves out of work, and running out of money; millions of lives suddenly turned upside down, with worry, fright, anxiety…
Our national political leaders recently decided to pause their usual bickering and sniping at each other. Trying to combat this common enemy, they have come up with a rescue plan to help Americans most affected by this crisis.
If there is any doubt as to the scale of this problem, the same week our leaders voted on this rescue plan, it was reported that more than three (3) million people had filed for unemployment benefits – more than ten times (10x) the average, and it’s expected to get worse!
As part of the rescue plan, most Americans will soon be receiving a sizeable check in the mail, or a credit to your bank account. As helpful as this intention is, there is a way that many of us can further help those Americans affected. You see for those of us who had no interruption of income, this payment to us is like finding a wallet on the sidewalk with a wad of money – the extra cash is nice, however, we don’t really need it, and it wasn’t intended for us. So, what’s the right thing to do?
What I’m suggesting we consider, is giving this money to the intended / affected Americans, whose life was suddenly disrupted (not knowing how they were going to feed themselves and family, pay the rent or mortgage, heat, electric, etc.
How do we decide whom to give it to? My suggestion is that you first look within your circle of family, friends, neighbors, or any other fellow American that you know lost their income, as a result of their place of business having to close, and simply give them that money. You can give it to one, or spread it among the many of the affected. You will be helping individuals, and you will be helping America.
The last time I attended one of my granddaughter’s middle school events, I noticed a poster on the hallway wall. It read, Character is doing the right thing when no one is looking. For those of us lucky ones that did not lose our income during this crisis, when this money arrives at your doorstep, I’m asking you to get in front of a mirror and ask yourself, “what’s the right thing to do?” Only the person looking back at you can answer!
It is during times like these that compassion, generosity, and kindness make all the difference. Thank you for helping, and please consider forwarding this message.
Frank Morrone is a life-long entrepreneur, starting and managing more than ten companies, during his 30 year business career. Retired, Frank is now highly active in Rotary International, an International service organization performing humanitarian services in both local communities as well as the global community. He is past president of four Rotary Clubs on Long Island. Frank immigrated to the United States from Italy as a young boy with his parents and siblings, and is proud to be an American citizen by choice. Thankful for the opportunities America has provided, he continues to contribute his time and resources to preserving and improving the quality of life for our generation, and that of our children and grandchildren.