I know this time is a struggle for many of us in many different ways. In addition to trying to stay healthy and avoid the virus, far too many have lost their jobs and are worried about how they'll pay for housing, groceries, prescriptions, and make it through the end of the month.

But many of us are lucky enough to have stable finances, able to keep a roof over our heads and keep food on the table. Let's talk briefly about what we can do to support others in our community who might need a hand up in these trying times.

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* Support a local charity. Organizations like the Oregon Food Bank are providing lifeline services for many families. Our contributions keep their critical missions online.

* Support workers. As companies tighten their belts, far, far too many people are finding themselves out of work, or with greatly-diminished hours. I'm talking about house cleaners, gardeners, babysitters, hair stylists--skilled people who are now struggling to get by. If you can afford it, keeping up your regular payments to these workers makes a tremendous difference.

* Support local businesses. Local restaurants and artisans have been hit hard. As much and as safely as you can, supporting these local businesses might mean the difference between them reopening when this pandemic passes--or not. Consider ordering takeout or buying a gift certificate you'll use in a few weeks or months.

* Reach out to your neighbors, friends, and family. The only way to know if someone is doing okay is to ask. Keeping an open line of communication during this ordeal is going to be crucial for all of us. Especially reach out to people who are doing this alone or whose lives are especially tough--single parents, senior citizens, disabled folks.

Take care of yourself, and then do as much good as you can, for as long as you can, for as many people as you can.

Because, at the end of the day, we're all just trying to get through this difficult situation as best we can.

Join me on Facebook. I'm sure you have other ideas, too. Tell me: what are you doing to support people in your community?

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Jeff

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Paid for by Jeff Merkley for Oregon.