Good News Stories That Came Out of the Pandemic Years
Virtual theater classes for students with autism
Quarantine is tough on everybody but who could have imagined the challenges that children adults who faced autism would face?
When Elaine Hall, a theater artistic director, saw the challenge, she decided to create an inclusive theater program for children and adults with special needs. Entitled, “The Miracle Project,” it now provides virtual socialization and support for families who are affected by autism and the added restrictions of the Coronavirus.
How does it work? Volunteer teachers and staff organize theater games and activities which help autistic children build confidence. It also helps them find a way to express themselves through online resources. The activities have already helped dozens of students be more confident, learn performing arts, and stay engaged with their peers throughout the pandemic.
To know more about how you can use virtual teaching in your church, check out our extensive blog posts on the subject.
HPV Vaccine Reduced Cervical Cancer Rates by 87% in Women
There is another vaccine that has been helping more people than ever before. The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine reduces cervical cancer rates by 87%. In a recent study, researchers at King’s College London found the HPV vaccination program was an emerging hero of 2019. It prevented 450 cervical cancers and reduced cancer rates by around 62 percent in teenagers.
Dr Vanessa Saliba, Consultant Epidemiologist in Immunizations at Public Health England, said, “These remarkable findings confirm that the HPV vaccine saves lives by dramatically reducing cervical cancer rates among women. This reminds us that vaccines are one of the most important tools we have to help us live longer, healthier lives.
Officer saves baby ducklings
Now there’s some adorable good news. Massachusetts State Trooper Jim Maloney rescued eight ducklings from a storm drain. When he noticed that they had fallen through a parking lot grate (to the dismay of mother duck!) he called the Department of Conservation and Recreation. The Lynn Animal Control and Nahant Department of Public Works came to the rescue.
“Sometimes those in danger cannot speak for themselves. And sometimes they are a different species,” said the Massachusetts State Police, “A small act amid the enormity of the ongoing health crisis, perhaps, but for one mother duck and her tiny babies, it made all the difference in the world.”
Generous Givers help a local restaurant Pandemic Years
After a long and discouraging lockdown, restaurants slowly reopened. But they still struggled with getting enough diners to make up for the financial loss experienced.
One North Austin Sushi Restaurant had the surprise of the year when a customer left a $1,000 tip on top of a $124 check to support.
“[An] unbelievable gesture like this stays deep inside your heart and gives us extra motivation to GO ON,” said the restaurant management. You never know who your gifts and donations reach, or whose lives may be changed through one person’s generosity.
Want to encourage more folks to give wholeheartedly? At DonorWerx, we have resources for pastors and church management teams to include in their sermons and services.
Appreciation for Veterans Pandemic Years
A Missouri-based lending company and its charitable foundation used the recent Veterans Day to give back to those who fought so long and hard for the country. They surprised 10 deserving Veterans with not just funds, but an entire home for each.
Veterans nationwide can now enter for a chance to win the 11th house, offered by the country sweepstakes at ThanksToVeterans.com. Pam Swan, vice president of military relations for Veterans United Home Loans, thanked veterans all over the country and is encouraging them to join the sweepstakes.
“Our #ThanksToVeterans campaign underscores the daily commitment of veterans as local leaders, dedicated volunteers, and exemplary neighbors,” she said. “And what better way to thank these deserving individuals than by giving them houses of their very own in the communities they call home?”
How DonorWerx Can Help
Getting people to give is no easy task. But once your church has donors, how do you encourage them to keep giving financial support, time after time?
At DonorWerx, we help churches move from traditional fundraising methods to digital technology which provides solutions. The donor journey does not have to be difficult to navigate.
Call us today for a free consultation and find out how you can meet the challenges with joy and a solid giving strategy.
