The past few weeks have brought on a lot of emotions for us all. Yes, our world is in an uneasy place right now, but I have found myself so encouraged when I see the creative ways people are fighting to stay connected and support each other while we’re “Alone Together.” It seems what we’ve all been craving lately is a reason to smile, to laugh, a kind word or a helping hand — even a virtual one. Isn’t it amazing that even while we’re each grappling with how to adjust to this new normal, this challenge we’re facing together is bringing out a beautiful side of humanity. Looking to join in? Here are five ways to give back and spread joy right now.
Share something that inspires you.
In this unusual time, everyone has a voice and a platform. Not only are we all on our phones and connecting to each other virtually — we are all hungry for something to brighten up our day. Whether you choose to post a favorite quote or book recommendation on your Instagram, or simply call up a friend to share your thoughts on the movie you just watched, we are all in need of a little encouragement and inspiration these days.
For me, I have long loved the book The Alchemist. It’s always top of my list whenever someone asks for a book recommendation, and recently I’ve found myself looking back on this quote in particular: “The secret of life is to fall seven times, and to get up eight.” Moral of the story… nothing is ever too hard that we can’t overcome. What has been inspiring you lately?
Say Thank You.
In times of hardship, we might find ourselves leaning on others a little more than we used to. But I am always amazed at the amount of joy that a heartfelt “Thank You” can bring. Sometimes the simplest way to spread joy can be the most powerful. Whether it’s written on a card or spoken over the phone, there is immense value in taking the time to acknowledge someone for their care and sacrifice.
It’s so easy to fall into the feeling of stress and anxiety that blinds us from those little moments of gratitude, or pushes them down on our priority list. But now more than ever, I believe it is so important to say we are grateful, to say it loud, and to say it often. Thank you to the healthcare professionals, thank you to the sanitation workers, thank you to the restaurant workers, child care providers, and the countless other unsung heroes who touch our lives throughout the day and keep our world moving forward.
Donate masks to frontline workers — or make your own for a friend!
As the Coronavirus situation has quickly evolved, the needs of our nation are rapidly changing. Now, local and national forces are in desperate need of medical supplies, specifically personal protection equipment. At Kendra Scott we were eager to answer the call and contribute whatever we could. Over the past couple of weeks we’ve been working with female-led volunteer groups and factories to repurpose our yellow bandanas as masks to be donated to various hospitals in the Austin, New Orleans, New York, and California communities. We have since joined forces with other Austin brands like Hi Brew Coffee, C3 and Deep Eddy Vodka to produce even more masks for our local communities.
I am so proud of my team and for so many other brands for their quick thinking and readiness to join the fight. Thanks to these quick efforts, we will be donating 4,000+ masks to frontline workers. But what has inspired me the most is seeing the overwhelming response ever since we launched this initiative. Since we first posted about this project on our Instagram, we received over 1,000 offers from our followers to contribute and join in on the efforts.
So many of you have a loved one on the front lines, are essential workers yourselves, or simply have a heart for filling this need. Well, you asked, we listened! If you’re looking to make masks for your community, a loved one, or yourself, just watch this video. Our own Shari Simms, a Kendra Scott employee in Austin, Texas, will walk you step by step through the process of sewing a face mask from a simple bandana.
Support a local charity or business you love.
Everyone could use a helping hand right now, and I love nothing more than seeing people rally behind a local cause that is dear to their hearts. There are so many organizations who are actively supporting those affected by the pandemic — Feeding America, Ronald McDonald House Charities, or FirstBook, to name just a few of my favorites.
I founded my business with philanthropy at its core, and our Kendra Gives Back program was built as a way for customers to host in- store events that donate 20% of the proceeds to the causes that mean the most to them. While all our stores are temporarily closed, we knew we had to find a way to keep this program going. So, we made the transition to hosting virtual giveback events. Anyone looking to give back to a charity or cause during this uncertain time will receive a custom code to share with their community. For 48 hours, 20% of all proceeds from purchases using these codes will continue to directly support the charity of their choice. To date, we have hosted 516 virtual KGB’s across the country. If you’d like to host a giveback event of your own, we are eager to help.
Make plans!
While today, yes, it is our responsibility to stay isolated to keep our communities healthy and safe, I find hope in remembering that this is all temporary. These difficult days will pass, and we will be so much stronger on the other side because of the resilience we’re showing right now. And when they do finally pass, what a celebration that’s going to be!
If these long days start to get you down, focus on all the joy that waits for us ahead. Call that friend you’ve been meaning to visit in another city or state. Research new vacation spots with your family. Plan a house party, or choose the first restaurant where you’ll book a table for a great dinner out. What brings me the most joy is thinking ahead to the day we can hug our loved ones again, meet up for dinner or happy hour and chat face-to-face, and most of all, how thankful we will all be for those small moments of joy we might have taken for granted before.
In the meantime, in this moment, let us stay strong, support each other, and spread joy wherever we can.