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By BECKY J. BEALL/Pelham Community Column

Scary situations sometimes bring out the evil in the world. But, oftentimes the opposite is true, and good is noticed through the deeds of unsung heroes, families, neighborhoods, communities and beyond.

Remembering to support and care for those who may not be fighting this current-day pandemic on the frontlines, but nonetheless contribute to our society as a whole, is paramount in sustaining and recovering from the after effects of this major economic situation.

“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.’” This quote from Fred Rogers, best known for Mister Rogers Neighborhood, rings ever-true today.

And, folks don’t have to look far to find helpers in 2020; doctors and nurses are in the trenches fighting to save lives from a hard-hitting virus, researchers are working double time to find a vaccine, grocery stores are stocking shelves through the night, truck drivers are hauling loads of supplies and food all across the country and the list goes on and on.

Finding helpers seems to be the easy part of today’s climate, however, finding ways to BE one of those helpers proves a little more challenging given social distancing and stay at home guidelines in force during the pandemic predicaments currently faced.

Here are some suggestions to help folks bounce back now and once the dust settles.

• Restaurants are taking a hard hit right now. When you order take-out or visit a drive-thru for food, consider also purchasing a gift card for future purchases. This is an easy way to support this industry and add to their much-needed cash flow immediately. Order delivery meals for folks in lieu of birthday gifts. Also, be extra generous to delivery drivers whether it be food, groceries, medicine or something else.
• Shop local and help keep businesses afloat during this time. These are likely the places that have supported your children’s sports teams, bought yearbook ads and sent classroom supplies to teachers. Shops like Gifted in Pelham are willing to go the extra mile. Check out their Facebook page and call for a Facetime shopping experience and arrange curbside pickup. Just remember: Behind every small business is a family.
• This is also a great time to let businesses and friends know you are thinking of them. Handwritten cards and notes are lovely sentiments as well as emails.

However you find it best to support local businesses, it is so appreciated as Pelham looks to the future with satisfying solutions to these pandemic predicaments.