How you can help those in need during the COVID-19 pandemic

These days we stay home and follow the instructions of expert scientists to stop the spread of COVID-19. As long as we organize our lives in the best possible way at home, taking care of ourselves and our family, there are several ways to contribute to the common good, even in conditions of isolation.

The elderly

The population group most at risk from the coronavirus and its effects on our health are the elderly. During the days of quarantine, therefore, we make sure that they stay inside their homes, avoid traveling in any way, and we offer to help them with the necessary shopping, bills, etc. It is important for them to know that there is a person who can listen to them and help them.

The children

We explain to children the importance of staying at home, without scaring them or causing them stress, and fill their day with various creative activities, such as painting and reading books. We present, especially to younger children, the quarantine situation as a game-challenge, while making it clear to them that they can talk to us about anything that concerns them.

These days, institutions and other structures that host children are in even greater need of our help. By contacting SOS Children's Villages ( http://www.sos-villages.gr/ content/future/o- ethelonism-sta-paidika- xwria-sos/48-o-ethelontismos- sta-paidika-xwria-sos ), as well as any other organization involved in child care, we are informed about how we can contribute to their work.

The homeless

A subscription to the homeless magazine “Shedia” (Link https://www.shedia.gr/ ) will bring its issues to our homes, so that the magazine’s sellers will continue to receive their valuable income. We are contacting the relevant authorities (for the Municipality of Athens with KYADA http://www.cityofathens.gr/ node/320 ) to learn where we can donate clothing, bedding, food and other necessary items.

The refugees

We are contacting the Red Cross ( http://www.redcross.gr/) default.asp?pid=19&la=1 ), Doctors Without Borders or other NGOs that help refugees and we are informed about how we can donate essential items that are in short supply.

The strays

We leave food and water on the street for stray animals, making sure to limit the time we spend outside the house to a minimum.

Solidarity

We care for the common good and public health with simple acts of solidarity. We contact friends, acquaintances and relatives who we know are alone, we avoid visiting the supermarket on Sunday so that the employees who do everything to serve us every day can rest, and we constantly remember that the pandemic will only be dealt with if we are united.