There are a few common themes that surround the COVID-19 pandemic. Clearly, uncertainty and concern are top among them, but so, too, is kindness.

Does the latter surprise you? Don’t be.

Dr. Elizabeth Kubler-Ross, a Swiss-American psychiatrist and pioneer in the field, once wrote, “When we face the worst that can happen in any situation, we grow. When circumstances are at their worst, we can find our best.”

We’ve certainly seen some of the best from so many in Greater Nashua and beyond. People have not only asked, “how can I help,” but many have taking the initiative to just do so – sometimes even anonymously.

During a time when many feel they may not be able to control much else, we all are able to offer kindness. That can come in the form of a simple smile, an extra plate of food dropped on a neighbor’s doorstep or a phone call to someone staying at home alone.

We’ve seen even larger gestures, where finances permit, such as the story featured in The Telegraph earlier this week about the $100 tip left so generously at a local eatery as part of a carry-out order. And then there are those $1,000-$50,000-plus donations supporting everything from Meals on Wheels to the United Way of Greater Nashua’s Coronavirus Relief Fund.

Donations are coming in to so many organizations, with area residents opening their own cabinets to help stock hand sanitizer, toilet paper, disinfecting wipes and other critical-use items. We realize those resources are limited.

Something that hasn’t yet been in short supply is food. We’ve seen restaurants serve free meals to area school children in need. However, we know all businesses right now may be struggling with how to donate while still remain operational.

One suggestion we saw being discussed locally was ordering carry out or delivery to help support those who are manning the front lines of the COVID-19 response. This could be meals sent to the local emergency room crew, nursing home staff, first responders, police, fire department or grocery store workers for their break.

There are so many other noteworthy individuals who are keeping everything running during the state’s stay-at-home order. In reality, many still must work to maintain critical services in our community.

Whether it’s a smile, a note of thanks, delivery of food, plate of cookies or balloon or flower bouquet, we hope more will step up to – safely and from a distance – share kindness during this time.

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EDITOR’S NOTE: This content is being provided for free as a public service to our community during the coronavirus outbreak. Please support local journalism by subscribing to The Telegraph at https://home.nashuatelegraph.com/clickshare/checkDelivery.do;jsessionid=40C089D96583CD7318C1C1D9317B6162.

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