Notations On Our World (Special #LifeInTheTimeofCorona Edition): On Stories of Hope

For this special edition, our team decided on this courtesy of the team at the Obama Foundation because such stories of hope during such extra-ordinary times is even more critical now as we note that #WeWillGetThroughThisTogether.   We implore all to Practice #SocialDistancing, #StayHome because you will #SaveLives:

As communities across the world continue to weather the COVID-19 pandemic, we continue to see stories pour in of people stepping up to help others.  We’ve seen college students in Chicago step up to support our seniors. We’ve seen young leaders working to ensure historically underrepresented populations are counted in this year’s U.S. census, even if workers can’t currently go door-to-door. We’ve seen people dust off sewing machines to make masks to help keep essential employees safe. And we’ve even seen teachers offer drive-by smiles to their students.  These are just a few of the stories you’ve submitted at obama.org/hope. Help us share more so we can celebrate these changemakers—and hopefully inspire a few more acts of social connection in a time of social distancing. Stay healthy, stay hopeful, —The Obama Foundation   STORIES OF HOPE FROM THE OBAMA FOUNDATION   On Census Day, we celebrated Rocio Ortega, Oscar Sanchez, Jarol Rendon Jimenez, and Martha Armenta-Robles, members of our Community Leadership Corps, who are working to ensure under-resourced communities are counted in the 2020 census. Earlier this year, they teamed up with other Corps members to hold an outreach event with local organizations, which are now pivoting to virtual methods to continue the work.   Jeannette Pomeroy, who’s been sewing since childhood, wanted to use her skills to ensure workers in a nearby assisted living facility had access to masks during the pandemic. Through her efforts, she was able to provide two masks for every worker.   In Orland Park, Michael Arundel returned home and wanted to find a way to support his more vulnerable neighbors. Now, he and his friends are organizing grocery runs for senior citizens. What started in Chicago is becoming a nationwide effort—if you’re a college student and able to volunteer, learn more about the program here.    Texas elementary school teacher Brandy Hurtado is brightening her elementary students' day by driving by their houses to say hi and stay connected.