With cancellations, closures and staying home becoming the new norm during this health emergency, Ruidoso needs you more than ever.
Start by following official guidelines for hygiene, social distancing, and self-quarantines. After that, here are some ways to safely and responsibly provide help to our community during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Support local businesses and organizations remotely
Buy a gift card, order delivery or takeout, make future bookings, or forego asking for a refund when an event is canceled. Contact local businesses and nonprofits to find out if there are ways you can still buy from them or donate.
Check on your neighbors
Call or text your neighbors to make sure they’re doing okay, especially the elderly. Ask if there is anything that they need. If you have what they’re looking for, offer to leave it outside their front door to minimize direct contact. If not, offer to help them get what they need another way. Be sure to wash your hands before handling any shared items and containers.
Connect and volunteer virtually
Staying connected with others with virtual tools can be key to getting through this outbreak alone, together. Make video or audio calls on FaceTime, Zoom, Skype, and WhatsApp. Gather virtually. Teach remotely. Share your talents, resources, inspiration, and innovations online. Many organizations need help getting the word out about their crisis initiatives and resources, which is something you can volunteer to help with from home.
Give blood
The American Red Cross and America’s Blood Centers announced recently that the US is facing a “severe blood shortage” and encourages healthy, eligible individuals to schedule a blood or platelet donation appointment at redcrossblood.org to help maintain a sufficient blood supply and avoid any potential shortages.
Lead by example
We may not be able to control the circumstances but we can control our individual response to it. Be the example you want to see in the world. Take care of yourself and others. Be generous in whatever way you can. Whether it’s paid sick leave or tenancy rent adjustments or making sure the vulnerable and elderly have food and medicine, take any action within your power to alleviate the negative effects on others. We’re in this together and together our individual actions will determine how well our community -- neighbors, local businesses and organizations -- survives the COVID-19 pandemic.
Let us help
In conjunction with the State of New Mexico and the federal government, the Village of Ruidoso continues to respond to this public health crisis by extending emergency support to families, workers, business owners, and the vulnerable in our community. From extended unemployment benefits and meals-to-go for seniors and students to utility shut-off protections and financial assistance for small businesses, you’ll find information about Ruidoso, Lincoln County, New Mexico, and Federal initiatives and resources on our dedicated COVID-19 Updates and Resources webpage.
Do you have thoughts on how to lend a hand during the COVID-19 pandemic? Share your thoughts with us on Facebook.