On this Giving Tuesday, people around the world are uniting in beautiful ways to help those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Even the smallest act of kindness can brighten someone’s day, spread joy, and show the world that beauty is possible, even in the midst of great pain.

That’s why we expanded #GiveTogetherNow—our rapid response campaign to give direct cash assistance to families impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic—with an effort to recognize the creative ways people are supporting each other and provide more ways for people to get involved.  

Now when you share an act of kindness on social media, your effort can be recognized with a $500 cash payment directly to a family impacted by the crisis. Thanks to the generosity of the Elizabeth R. Koch Foundation, up to 5,000 more families can be supported by sharing your simple acts of kindness. Hundreds of people in communities across the country have already shared innovative ways to help their neighbors. 

Here are just five acts of kindness that have inspired us:

1. @benignid made over 160 masks to give away to friends, families, and organizations. She also challenged them to pay it forward and make a donation to a local food bank.

2. Dallas non-profit leader and founder Bishop Omar and volunteers from Urban Specialists chose to bring food to members of their community impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Recently, they spent a day surprising families experiencing hardship with these random acts of kindness—delivering food, supplies, and cash assistance to them at home. As one volunteer put it, “You never know how that little bit you do can change somebody’s whole day.”

3. Thomas recognized that even as this public health crisis has closed businesses and disrupted entire industries, the workers who help supply basic goods continue to do their jobs. That’s why, last week, he posted a handmade sign to thank local CVS workers for keeping stores open and making essential items available.

4. @awkwardauntie wanted to remind her family that they’re in this together even as social distancing requires all of us to stay apart. She sent cards to all of her nieces and nephews in the hope that, as she said, “a little mail from their auntie will make them smile.”

5. Scott Strode, the founder of the free sober active community The Phoenix, realized that as charitable organizations around the country have played a vital role in helping families affected by this crisis, many “food banks are in desperate need of donations.” To help out, Scott recently gathered up some extra food and took it to his local food bank. Here’s a video of Scott about to drop off his donation.

6. @propheticworld joined organizers to do social media advocacy for incarcerated people on Rikers Island: “I did this to show our incarcerated family that they are not forgotten.”

7. Ashleigh baked bread for her neighbors to spread kindness while social distancing. “I made bread and shared with friends and family (dropped on their doorsteps) to also enjoy! Showing some kindness while socially distancing.”

These are just a few of the ways people are giving kindness. As you explore how you can use your unique gifts to help a neighbor or reach out to a friend, we hope you’ll share your gesture with us on social media with the hashtag #GiveTogetherNow and tag @standtogetherfoundation. When accepted, a $500 cash payment will go to a family experiencing hardship from the COVID-19 pandemic.

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