Hey News-Changers! Jackie here. You probably don’t need me to tell you that things are...weird right now. And I wouldn’t fault anyone for feeling a bit burnt out by all the news coming out around COVID-19.

If you want to hear updates on the pandemic (and some actions you can take from home), then check out our guide. As for this edition of The Breakdown, we’re focusing on all the *good* stuff happening around the globe in light of the current health crisis.

Scroll down to hear about all the things people are doing to support one another through these unprecedented times -- from mini food banks to virtual dance parties.

(If you’re feeling especially anxious or need to talk to someone, the Crisis Text Line is there for you 24/7. Just text DS to 741741.)

- Jackie, DoSomething.org

The Helpers

Folks finding ways to support their communities.

- This 33-year-old user-experience designer built a website to connect unused masks and gloves to hospitals.

- College students got together 1,200 volunteers to help elderly folks get groceries.

- A California teen donated over 150 sanitation kits to people experiencing homelessness.

- People are converting book-sharing libraries into mini food banks.

- About 1,000 retired medical workers answered the call to volunteer during the coronavirus pandemic.

In the Business of Doing Good
Major companies stepping up amid the crisis.

- Burger King is offering free meals for kids.

- General Motors and 3M are helping make more ventilation systems for hospitals to meet the rising demand.

- Netflix has created an emergency fund for workers in the TV and film industries.

- The CEO of Zoom is giving free video-conferencing tools to K-12 schools.

- CVS is hiring 50,000 workers and giving their employees bonuses for their essential, on-site work.

Pop Culture Shock
Celebs using their fame and influence for good.

- Rihanna donated $5 million to coronavirus response efforts through her not-for-profit foundation.

- Taylor Swift’s feud with Kanye West has resurfaced online, and Swift took the opportunity to drive attention towards the COVID-19 Response Fund.

- DJ D-Nice hosted a virtual dance party to entertain those social distancing, attracting celebs like Oprah Winfrey and Michelle Obama.

- Fashion designer Christiano Siriano and his team are making face masks for medical workers in New York.

- Actor Josh Gad (AKA the voice of Frozen’s Olaf) is livestreaming himself reading bedtime stories for kids.

Just Plain Wholesome
Heartwarming stories that make our days a lil’ brighter.

- A New Hampshire town turned on their holiday lights to “give folks in town something to smile about.”

- High school students performed their canceled choir concert remotely, and it’s BEAUTIFUL.

- Two sisters, ages 5 and 7, have been drawing flowers, sunshine, and rainbows on cards for folks in nursing homes under isolation.

- A customer left a $2,500 tip to support an Ohio bar that had to close due to the coronavirus.

- A group of seniors are keeping themselves busy during self-isolation with a giant game of Hungry Hungry Hippos.

Take Action: Don’t let COVID-19 stop you from changing the world.

- Find ways to stay healthy, fight anxiety, and make a difference on the causes you care about (all from home!).

- Share your tips on how you’re practicing social distancing, and we’ll send them out to young people around the country.

- Know a student who’s been displaced or disrupted by the coronavirus pandemic? Share our resource guide.