Trust me when I say if I could help everyone I would! Unfortunately, with 6.6 million unemployment claims last week alone in the U-S and nearly a quarter of a million of them in Florida, I can't even scratch the surface when it comes to the need that currently exists.
But, something is better than nothing. And even if that something only helps a few dozen families in my community, it's better than sitting around feeling anxious, depressed and totally out of control.
To be honest, this Easter basket drive is more selfish than philanthropic. I'm nervous and stir crazy and I need something to occupy my racing thoughts with something other than apocalyptic scenarios.
It came to my attention by a few nurses recently that while fighting this relentless pandemic, they're not only exhausted and possibly infected at any given time, but they're also finding themselves without the time to do basic things...like grocery shop.
Many of these healthcare workers are parents. As a Mom, I'm barely keeping it all together at home while working from home and trying to facilitate distance learning and cooking and cleaning while my husband still works full-time as an essential worker in construction. I can't imagine what my kids would be going through if I was never at home during this crisis and when I was home, I had to either sleep in my car or isolate from them.
I can't imagine having a few hours of free time after a 12+ hour chaotic shift and having to think about Easter coming up. I want these workers to sleep with their time off or do literally anything else other than worry about putting together an Easter basket for their kids. And like it or not, Easter will be here before you know it.
This is my 'something' to help.
Publix has adorable baskets on sale right now for just $10 and they're wrapped in cellophane. I'm taking donations HERE and buying as many baskets as I can. I'll drop them off at Tampa General Hospital and their staff will distribute within. My sister has a foundation called 15 Lightyears Foundation and she agreed to match all donations 100%. That will double our efforts.
While so many people are without income at this time and would love a free Easter basket for their kids, I can only help as much as the donations allow. My priority now is for those who are battling this pandemic day and night and putting themselves at grave risk to do so.
Being a parent is hard enough. Battling an invisible war with potentially fatal consequences as part of your job doesn't make it easier.
Here's how we can help. Again, donations are appreciated. The drive is over at the end of the weekend and I'll distribute Monday. If you can't donate...even just sharing the FB post or this blog can help and that's free!
Below is the original FB Live video I did!