What you can do to help. (Even from home.)

Lehmann's Luncheonette, downtown Kerrville, 1960s

Trying times demand creative responses, and this pandemic is providing opportunities for all of us to be thoughtful, kind, and generous. As of Thursday evening, no cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Kerr County, yet many here are very stressed, worrying about their loved ones, their own health, their jobs, childcare, and how to pay their bills.
The new normal is very stressful.

Nurses, Kerrville
State Sanatorium,
1950s

Healthcare professionals – doctors and nurses, ambulance crews, all of the support crew at healthcare facilities – face special problems I cannot even imagine. Others are facing economic uncertainty because their once-crowded workplaces have been ordered closed by public health authorities. Some, like those working at grocery stores or pharmacies, are facing unprecedented workloads. Hard-working parents are scrambling to arrange childcare now that all local schools are closed. Beloved community events are being canceled or postponed.
In the midst of all of this turmoil, what can we do – other than lock the doors, lower the blinds, and turn on the television? There are ways to help – some without even leaving home. Here are some ideas:
The easiest way to help your neighbors during this time is to simply ask them how you can help. Be willing to help, and let them know. Most of us would never ask a neighbor for help, but having a neighbor ask us how they can help is different.

Nurse, Salvation Army,
Kerrville, 1960s

If things go poorly over the next few weeks, health care workers will work very long hours without rest. Ask them how you can help. Perhaps you can run errands, walk their dog, mow their lawn, or make them a casserole, even if you have to leave it on their porch.  The key point: ask how you can help.
Many local small businesses, especially restaurants, are being closed by decree, which means they are shouldering unexpected economic losses in a statewide effort to help keep the rest of us healthy. Their forced closure supports a healthy community; our community should likewise support them.

Grocery worker, Evans Foodway,
Kerrville, 1960s

If you have a place you like to eat, consider buying a gift certificate from the restaurant, to be redeemed later this summer, when (hopefully) things are back to normal. In effect you are offering an interest-free loan to the restaurant which might help it stay in business. And if you’re hungry right now, and don’t want to wait until summer, many restaurants are now scrambling to offer curbside and to-go food, and many have started taking orders online. (I’ve checked, and several will allow you to order a gift certificate online, as well.)
Likewise, the wait staff at any restaurant relies on your tips to pay their bills. If you can, now is the time to be extra generous when tipping. Tip more than usual, if you can afford to do so. Every little bit will help.
Others who rely on large groups are also facing money problems. Musicians have had their gigs canceled; event photographers have no events to photograph. If there are local musicians you like, perhaps you can find their music online – and you can purchase their album for your collection. Some local photographers also sell prints of their work online. Seek out a way to support these people, too. I’m sure a lot of them would be happy to accept a donation. Our community will be diminished if we no longer have artists.

Children at the newly-built
Butt-Holdsworth Memorial Library,
1967

At the grocery store there are several ways to help. The most obvious way: only buy what you need. Crazy unexpected demand means empty shelves; the supply chain is strong and should self-correct if we don’t panic. But there’s an even easier way to help grocers: be nice. Tell the employees thank you. If you can’t find your favorite brand of an item, either be patient or be brave and try something new. Or both.
Lastly some ideas about children at home because schools are closed. If you’ve ever had children in your home, it’s possible you still have some of the books they’ve left behind. Students, especially young students who are early readers, need books to read during this prolonged school holiday. I’m not suggesting you loan the books – I’m suggesting you give the books away. That means not sharing heirlooms or books that have special meaning to your family. Likewise, old magazines (I’m looking at you, stacks of National Geographic magazines) could be used for all sorts of “school at home” projects. Don’t lend them. Give them away. Photos can be cut from the magazines and used for all sorts of learning projects. As with any of the above ideas, it is always best just to ask the parents how you can help.
These few ideas are meant to inspire you to create your own ways to help. I’ve been amazed by some of the stories of community you’ve shared with me during this time. We’ll get past these hard days, and we’ll get through them together.
Until next week, all the best.

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Joe Herring Jr. is a Kerrville native who is proud to be a part of this community. This column originally appeared in the Kerrville Daily Times March 28, 2020.

Two Kerr County history books available, filled with historic photographs of Kerr County.  Both books are available at Wolfmueller's Books, Herring Printing Company, and online by clicking HERE.

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