Be selfless instead of selfish.

In this time of panic, wondering what the COVID-19 virus has in store for the US, some people have had a tendency to think only of themselves. There are people hoarding toilet paper, disinfectant wipes, and hand sanitizer. They are saving them up for themselves or worse- they are trying to use those items to make a profit off of others needs.

Is it really necessary to have hundreds of rolls of toilet paper in one home? Is it necessary to steal wipes from grocery stores when they are trying to keep the public safe from germs on grocery carts? Is it really being an entrepreneur to purchase boxes and boxes of toilet paper, wipes, and other cleaning products online to sell out of your garage to price gouge others? Have you looked at ebay lately? It is disheartening that people are taking advantage of others at this time of confusion.

I have begun taking my own wipe when I go to the store in case they don’t have any to provide. I have a subscription to bamboo toilet paper that I received a whole box of 24 rolls a couple weeks ago before this all blew up. I have two containers of disinfectant wipes given to me by a daycare parent weeks ago. I am good. Stores will get more supplies in, so I am not worried about running out.

My husband just got back from the store, and the entire paper goods section as well as the bread was all wiped out. Please be considerate of others when purchasing your supplies. There are people that are not able to buy things at all times of the month. They may need to wait for a paycheck or other money to come in before they can make their trip to the store. They need supplies as much as everyone else.

Thinking about others before ourselves is being selfless. Are there any people that you know that are not able to go out to get supplies from the store? Are there elderly people in your neighborhood that might need a hand at this time? Consider reaching out to them to see what they might need. I am sure they are nervous about going out right now.

Once you get all the supplies you and your family and neighbors might need, do the best thing for the community right now and stay home. The best way to prevent the spread of this virus is to keep yourself at home as much as possible.

Enjoy the break from the hustle and bustle of errands. Read a book. Watch a movie. Do a puzzle. Play a game with your family. Go outside. Happy hunkering down!