The coronavirus pandemic has already forced 10 million people to apply for unemployment in just the last two weeks and many businesses are expected to face bankruptcy. The social distancing guidelines to remain at least six feet from other people and to stay home as much as possible has left many people feeling hopeless. However, despite the anxiety, there is also hope.
Local businesses in Kentucky are helping neighbors stay afloat. We recently joined in by partnering with United Way, an organization dedicated to the education, health and financial stability of every Kentuckian, to host a fundraiser.
We already unite colleges, high schools, and other teams through t-shirts and we decided that the best way to help is to unite all of Kentucky. Therefore, we are selling t-shirts with the hashtag #TeamKentucky for $11.99 and 100 percent of the proceeds will be donated to local food pantries.
We are thrilled to announce that so far we have surpassed $30,000!
The idea originally came from Governor Andy Beshear who is encouraging people to help each other in this crisis.
“In times like these people can feel pretty helpless … it feels great that every time one of these #TeamKentucky shirts rolls off the end of the dryer, we’re providing food for someone that’s in need,” said BlueCotton CEO Mike Coffey.
If you’re looking for a way to donate, you can do so by purchasing the t-shirts here as well as the other Greek, collegiate and local high school designs.
Is it Enough?
Unfortunately, approximately 50 million Americans already rely on food pantries to get their next meal. Now, with the recent unemployment surge, even more people are expected to rely on food banks. While our own fundraiser is a step in the right direction, there is always a need for more.
So what else can we do?
In addition to purchasing and wearing the #TeamKentucky t-shirt, shop locally. If you plan to get takeout, buy from a local restaurant. Dominos recently announced that they are hiring 2,000 more people to staff a surge in demand.
Consider also volunteering at local food banks. Approximately 66 percent of food banks rely on volunteers and as the coronavirus sets in, fewer people are able to step up and help. Even as you volunteer, be sure to adhere to social distancing guidelines and be particularly careful when handling food.
If you don’t have time to volunteer at a local food bank, consider picking up food for a senior or otherwise compromised individual in your community the next time you go shopping. Small acts of kindness may seem insignificant, but they go a long way in these times.
Finally, respect social distancing guidelines and go out as little as possible. We will get out of this together and we will be stronger for it. Do your part and buy a #TeamKentucky t-shirt to help support your local community.