How can I give back to my community from my Orlando apartment?

COVID-19 has many of us feeling stressed and unsure of the future, and right now, your community needs you more than ever. Assuming you're social distancing and spending most of your time in your Orlando apartment, there are still plenty of ways for you to give back to your community while you're home.

• Share your skills. Get creative with this one. Maybe you're an excellent chef; if that's the case, why not write up some recipes with easy substitutions, since some key grocery staples can be hard to come by, and share them? Or maybe you have some impressive yoga skills; if so, record yourself doing some beginner stretches for those folks trying to workout at home for the first time, and post them online. Whatever your talent might be, there is someone who could benefit from it right now. Put your extra time at home to good use. And on that note… 
• Make face masks. There is currently a major shortage of personal protective equipment for the medical professionals in the area, as well as state- and nationwide. While it might not seem like you can do much to help, there are a few paths you can take to contribute to the cause, all from the comfort of your Orlando apartment. Whether that means 3D printing face shields or sewing face masks, you can provide some much-needed protection for your community. This is a great article from Time with more information, if this is a path you want to pursue. 
• Help your neighbors. When you're living in one of the best apartments in Orlando, it's important to look out for your neighbors. Think about how you can support the people around you, especially those that are older or immunocompromised. This could include offering to pick up their groceries or prescriptions so they can avoid going out into crowded settings, or creating a group chat to help them feel less isolated while they're in their apartment. These may be small steps for you, but they will be highly appreciated by your neighbors during this stressful time.
• Support local businesses. The sad fact is that many small businesses have had to close, and they may not open again. Reach out to the small businesses you love, like that Winter Garden brunch spot or your hairdresser in West Orlando, to see how you can help them. If you can afford to do so, buy gift cards for future services; for most restaurants, you can also choose to order for takeout or pickup. If money is tight, a great way to show your support is by leaving online recommendations. Local businesses are what make the apartments in Orlando so homey; show them some love where you can.

You're doing your part, seeking out opportunities to support your Orlando community. It's a great reminder of how many good people are out there doing good things to give back. There's no denying that it's a tough situation right now, but so long as we help one another, we'll all get through this together.