Community Chat

[judy0330]

"Jeff Bezos and his company have been doing a lot to combat the problems caused by the coronavirus pandemic, but now the Amazon honcho's using his immense wealth to battle one problem specifically -- hunger.

Bezos announced he's sending a $100 million gift to the non-profit organization Feeding America to help replenish its national network of food banks and pantries ... with the goal being "getting food to those countless families who need it."

Jeff says food insecurity is a problem in the U.S. even during ordinary times, but "COVID-19 is amplifying that stress significantly."

That's because many non-profit food banks rely on donations of excess food from restaurants, and as you know ... many restaurants are now closed. Bezos says to make matters worse, the supply is dwindling ... but demand is going up.

That's where his huge donation will come in "to support those on the front lines at our nation's food banks and those who are relying on them for food."

The Amazon boss joins a long list of celebs, athletes and companies donating millions to support coronavirus relief efforts ... including Oprah's $10M donation earlier Thursday."

[lenapecci]

I read this afternoon that Wynn Resorts will pay their employees wages and tips through May 15th. 

[Oznell]

The way I always look at it is, good adds to good.  Learning of the generosity of our fellow human beings is so beneficial, especially during trying times when we might be tempted to despair, at times, at human nature.

Seeing all the array of people giving, and reading even more that so many posters have written about in this thread, is a treat!  I so like what you said, @Nancy Drew, about just being happy at what people are doing.  I could never criticize givers.  Appreciate them all so much, no matter who.

As to the non-philanthropists, the "non-wealthy" or "non-prominent" who are doing so much, giving so much of themselves and sacrificing daily, I was so happy to begin several other threads just recently, just appreciating their priceless contributions. It all flows together and bears us up, I believe. 

[FancyPhillyshopper]

Many rich are NOT getting richer right now so they might as well share to help the economy recover.

I am MUCH more impressed with those who have little and share a lot, and those who risk their lives.

[Nancy Drew]

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@Oznell wrote:

Apologies if any of these contributions have already been mentioned in various threads, but I've just read of them, and find them so heartening at this time.  These business people/philanthropists have so stepped up to the plate.  Thankfully that happens in every disaster down through history, but it is so worthy of remarking every time:

Jack Ma, co-founder of the Alibaba Group, is donating $14 million dollars toward development of Covid-19 vaccine.  Additionally, has donated over a million testing kits and six million masks to 54 African countries.

Sheldon Adelson, Las Vegas hotel owner, although his hotels are closed, is going to pay his 10,000 employees their full salaries as though they were still working, for two solid months.

Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan are donating $30 million for relief efforts.

Steve Ballmer, formerly of Microsoft and now owner of L.A. Clippers basketball team, donating $25 million to the cause.

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@Oznell @You make the point nicely about the acts of generosity are not just financial. The jobs and chores of getting through this.

[shoekitty]

In my opinion it doesn't matter why they do it, it's the fact they do it!  And they are able to do it...how amazing.  There are many people who are wealthy, wealthy And do not donate large sums like this.  As far as taxes go, you can only deduct so much, and I am sure they know what they will see ease their tax payment.  I can think of a couple people who make billions, or so they say and never donate any large amount.

So, those that donate t such good causes, kudos to them.  I am appreciative.  There are also many people who donate and do so namelessly.  There are many reasons for doing so without credit.  One you are humble, two, if the powers that be of other charities find out .....they hound you relentlessly for more

[Imaoldhippie]

Boy are a few of you ever wrong.  I am not full of hate for anyone.  I just think "stars" are really over rated.

I have personally had not seen where any of them have given (until this AM news where a few of them were mentioned).

I knew I probably stepped in it when I posted my opinion given the amount of people on here that idolize the rich and famous.  And from past posts about Hollywood people.

But to accuse me of hate!?  Tsk, tsk.

My apologies to the stars that have given.

[Oznell]

Just to clarify, dear @Imaoldhippie ,  I'd personally never accuse you of hate, especially after being exposed to your posts over time.  I enjoy you very much. 

That word was in someone else's post.  There's a difference between "hate" and skepticism.  You have a healthy skepticism, which is fine!  I find I've suspended mine in this instance, just b/c when people (any people) are that generous in such an important cause, I'm just plain grateful.

[Imaoldhippie]

@Oznell ..............I know you did not accuse me of hate.  You are too nice of a person to do that to anyone.

For what its worth I should have known better than to post what I did knowing that I would get chastized for it.  I will avoid posts about todays Hollywood stars at all cost.

I sincerely enjoy your posts and your love of classic films.

Thank you and God bless.

[novamc1]

Generosity just keeps on spreading where I live.

As mentioned in an earlier post, our little fenced community of homeowners raised money for a catering firm to deliver (final count) 195  boxed lunches to a local hospital ER staff.

Now that everyone is being advised to wear face masks,  a neighbor has  offered her sewing skills to make face masks for us, using a pattern that supposedly was published in the New York Times recently, if we supply anything from tea towels to pillow cases.

According to this morning's newspaper,  counties around Atlanta are providing tens of thousands of meals to school children.  Local food banks are going at full speed, too, on top of how much they do daily under much more  normal circumstances.

Meanwhile, reports keep flooding in about restaurants and many other types of businesses being forced to lay off employees and close up their doors.  

Unemployment insurance claims are soaring, so need for basic assistance will grow for quite a while, it seems.