While most of the world is self-isolating or locking down to limit the spread of the global COVID-19 pandemic, Super Awesome People™ everywhere are finding ways to share love, laughter, art, and resources with their communities and the world. Here are just a few examples of people being awesome.
Words of Love for the Isolated Elderly
In Salt Lake City, students from West Jordan Middle School and Rowland Hall wrote notes of encouragement and kindness to the elderly residents of a care center who are unable to receive visitors during the pandemic. Concerned that the nursing home residents were feeling lonely and isolated, the teacher who initiated the letter writing campaign, Kathy Howa, saw it as an opportunity to involve her students in something “bigger than themselves”.
Canceled Rent for Struggling Tenants
Brooklyn landlord Mario Salerno canceled rent for hundreds of tenants for the month of April, 2020, as New York City suffered the brunt of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. With estimates that 40 percent of renters in the city would not make April’s rent, Salerno’s generosity is sure to help his tenants make ends meet in a ravaged economy. His only request in return? “STAY SAFE, HELP YOUR NEIGHBORS & WASH YOUR HANDS!!!”
A student’s letter to a care center resident (Dawn Houghton) 
Jodi Beder performs (Michael S. Williamson/The Washington Post) 
Landlord Mario Salerno waives rent for tenants in April
Food, Comfort, and Care for Essential Workers
In NYC, local bakeries and coffee shops are bringing sustenance to healthcare workers throughout the city, funded in part by donations. In North Carolina, the Department of Health and Human Services is providing child care services for essential workers who have no other options, similar to initiatives running in other states. The HeraldNet of Everett Washington offers tips for supporting essential workers (through limited and safe interactions) while USA Today recommends gifts for essential workers you know, such as hand lotion, food delivery gift cards, and streaming services subscriptions.
Communities Coming Together
The MetroWest Daily News of Framingham, MA is drawing attention to “Hometown Heroes” during the coronavirus outbreak. From kids making face masks to live-streamed organ concerts and volunteers working at the local Food Pantry, everyday heroes are helping out where they can and being recognized for their impact.
In Mount Rainier, Maryland, cellist Jodi Beder has held mini-concerts on her porch to the cheers of her neighbors across the street. She normally plays her cello for people in hospice but she saw a need within her neighborhood for isolated residents needing to feel connected.
The Washington Post highlighted Jodi Beder and others who are bringing joy to their communities via teacher-driven vehicle parades to cheer homebound students, crafters banding together to make PPE gear for hospitals in need, and thank-you gestures for essential workers to let them know they are valued and appreciated.
The Obama Foundation is sharing Stories of Hope during the pandemic to highlight selfless acts from around the world. Featured stories include distilleries using high-proof alcohol to make much-needed hand sanitizer, Little Free Libraries transformed into Little Free Pantries, and care packages for health care workers.