Now is the time to come together (safely)

This is the time when the community needs to come together. People are worried about what COVID-19 means for society and there are a lot of unanswered questions, which breeds anxiety.

However, ACTS Day is an attempt to bring everybody together to benefit those in need.

ACTS (All Caring Together and Serving) Day is an effort to bring everyone together as a community during the time of social distancing. The five goals of the day address the current needs of the Butler County community.

Making wellness check calls gives people the chance to socialize while remaining at home. Volunteers will make calls to neighbors, which gives both parties somebody to talk with regularly during the time when they can feel socially isolated.

Creating masks has become a more common pastime, but those on the frontline also need them. Those with extra masks can call or text (573) 714-5328 and schedule for a volunteer to come pick them up.

Filling out the census was originally one of the big events happening in April, but COVID-19 has taken some of the attention away from it. However, that’s still an important civic duty everyone should do. Results from the 2020 census could impact future relief funding for the results of COVID-19 or influence response to future issues.

Helping with financial needs will have a wider impact. Area churches and charities are working in overload to address the needs of the community and those who are able, should contribute to those efforts with donations that will allow these efforts to continue.

While all four of those can be done from home, those looking for a drive also have an option. From 3-7 p.m., volunteers will run a drive-through donation center in the Three Rivers College parking lot for people to donate items such as non-perishable food, cleaning supplies, paper products, hygiene items, pet food, fabric and elastic (for making masks).

These items will go to those people and efforts that need the supplies.

During this time, it’s easy to feel lonely and as though things are very bad. However, these kinds of efforts and supporting them can allow people to come together and make things at least slightly better.

— Daily American Republic