The COVID-19 global pandemic hasn’t been easy for anyone. Stuck at home, six feet apart, everyone is feeling its effects. With so many cancelations and disappointments, many people are finding it difficult to remain quarantined. 

But coronavirus has also brought good out in people. It’s brought communities together. It’s given people a chance to slow down. It’s allowed people to spend time with loved ones. It’s encouraged people to reach out to others in different ways. People are doing what they can to promote kindness, spread positivity, and help others throughout communities. 

The student councils at both East and West Campus worked to spread positivity through the Make a Difference Week they facilitated. Each day, the council challenged students to do something that positively impacted the community. 

“One of the biggest struggles during this time has been attempting to create a new normal,” siad Julia Druml, president of West’s student council. “This definitely gave students a reminder that we are still together.” 

With prompts like letters to local heroes, staff appreciation, and environmental day, students were provided with simple easy ways to make a big difference. The idea came from student services who wanted to give students a chance to take action. 

“We did things for our essential workers, teachers, younger kids, and the community as a whole,” said Gracee Majkrzak president of East’s student council. “Positivity does amazing things as we work through this together.”

While students are doing their part to lift spirits, the community has come together during all the uncertainty to continue to feed students and their families through weekly food deliveries. Volunteers pick up bags of food and deliver them to the families’ homes weekly. 

“We are working closely with school personnel from both District 156 and District 15, area churches and community leaders to reach those families who are unable to take advantage of the food pickup locations throughout our town,” said Jennifer Mihevc, kindergarten teacher at Hilltop Elementary School. 

These weekly deliveries are made possible by donations from the community. By utilizing social media, the necessary food is able to be donated and collected to be distributed to families. Funds have also been donated through the Kids In Need of McHenry County and the Weekend Meal Ministry programs. 

“It is encouraging to see the many people who have been generous with their time and resources to help people who need the help the most during these difficult times,” said Mihevc. “I am so proud to live in a place where people look out for and support each other during difficult times.” 

The last few months have been full of disappointment, isolation, anxiety, and challenges. But through the struggle, coronavirus has been kind. Communities have come unified, people have been more patient, and many people are doing everything they can to spread kindness.