Next time someone you know utters the phrase "kids today" in disbelief, let them know about 15-year-old Shaivi Shah. Due to the dangers and threats of COVID-19, she had the bright idea of helping the less fortunate. Along with some other incredible students at Tesoro High School, she created over 150 coronavirus sanitation kits. They were handed out to the homeless currently in shelters.
While it's always good for us to properly wash our hands and practice good hygiene, now is the most important time to really take it seriously. Unfortunately for homeless populations, they might not have access to soap and water. They also likely don't have hand sanitizer, nor do they have a place to stay a safe distance from others.
Shaivi's motives were pure. While all of us are panicking and unsure about what tomorrow may bring, she knew that the homeless community was working with even less. The kits include hand sanitizer, lotion, reusable masks, and antibacterial soap.
While 150 is a big number, she's aiming to create even more as this pandemic spreads. These kits could very well help save lives. Shaivi is fully aware that homeless people likely didn't have the opportunity to get everything they needed prior to the social distancing taking place. "They don't have necessities right now that are crucial to remain clean and stay germ-free," she told CNN.
CNN also reports how she got the idea. Supposedly, it sparked from the speech given by California Governor Gavin Newsom. It just goes to show you how strong leadership can inspire others to make a change and speak up for what they believe in. Governor Newsom should feel proud that such a good deed sprung from his words.
The sanitation kits have reportedly been distributed to three Los Angeles shelters. But the generous teen knows that there's still more work to be done. Approximately 150,000 Californians are currently homeless, and she's hoping to provide kits to as many of them as possible.
Shaivi knew that during this time, most people were putting their own families first. That may be why people resorted to hoarding basic sanitary supplies. It's scary to think that people weren't thinking about others in their neighborhoods who would go without, but when panic is involved, sometimes individuals get selfish.
In general, though, many neighborhoods have been thinking of the people who are going without. For example, in the wake of the widespread school closures, a lot of groups and communities have been working hard to make sure that children who depended on meals from their schools aren't going hungry.
However, some people out there still don't understand the importance of social distancing. While it's a shame that parties and celebrations have been canceled, the risk is too high to continue gathering in groups and breaking the orders given by government officials. If we all want to stay safe throughout this pandemic and not overwhelm our health care system, we all need to follow the rules.
To raise money for the kits, Shaivi started a GoFundMe campaign. Currently, she's raised over $16,000 for a $20,000 goal. Shaivi noted on the page that she's spent a lot of time reading up on COVID-19 along with other global disasters and that she wants to make a difference.
"Because of its rapid growth, some of the people that are most vulnerable to this virus [are] the homeless community due to the lack of sanitation, money, and proper supplies," she wrote. "For this reason, I decided to use my experience in science fairs of creating low-cost and portable medical devices to create a positive impact in the lives of those affected." Once again, science prevails.
Even better, she listed how often her products can be used, proving that she's literally done all the research. "I created a low-cost sanitation kit which contains hand sanitizer (29 mL and can be used about 29 times), hand soap (221 mL and 74-221 washes) , lotion (227 g and can be used 76-227 times) , and a reusable mask (homemade) to help out the less fortunate," she wrote. "I have contacted homeless shelters to which I will be donating these kits to."
Donors have made sure to tell her how incredible this movement is. In a world where adults often assume children care only about themselves and their phones, this act proves them wrong. "It's great to see how inspiring our young can be," donor Mary Lewis said. "Keep up the good works."
Shaivi wants people to know that it's important to look at situations from another person's perspective. "It's important for people to step in and just do whatever they can, even if it helps just one person," she told CNN. "Imagine yourself in their shoes, without a house, without clothes, without any sanitation."
It's true. When you look at the pandemic from that point of view, missing a birthday party suddenly seems like a nonissue. Even though everyone is going through some sort of loss, at least the majority of us have a roof over our head that'll help us stay safe. It puts things in perspective.
If you're in a secure situation, you should look into ways you can also help the less fortunate in your community. Join local groups on Facebook and see if there are efforts to help out those in need. If nothing is available, feel free to start your own. It'll definitely gain momentum from people who know how serious this situation is.
It's rewarding to do good things for your town. Even if you don't get the satisfaction of openly knowing how your kits, goods, or services may help those in need, you'll know that you changed someone's life who may have been forgotten about. In times like these, every act of kindness counts.
