An army of young volunteers is building bridges between generations while delivering food supplies. Invisible Hands is a network of college students and other young people bringing groceries to elderly New York City residents isolated during the coronavirus pandemic. The project has built deep bonds between people of different generations, even though they have not met. Listen to hear the organization’s founder describe the roots of the project and why a woman who received a delivery was crying with joy.
This audio story was recorded in early April. The news about COVID-19 is changing rapidly and parts of this story may be dated.
Story Length: 2:35
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March 26, 2020
3:26
States around the country are ordering new restrictions to curb the spread of COVID-19. State governors have put various orders in place, including closing nonessential businesses, restricting big gatherings, and directing people to stay at home. Essential services such as food stores, pharmacies, and public transportation, remain open. These leaders hope limiting social contact will slow the spread of the disease enough to avoid overwhelming hospitals and health care workers with patients. Listen to learn how states plan to enforce the orders and why one governor struggled mightily with his decision to close businesses.
Read MoreNovember 25, 2019
3:22
The worst flood in 50 years has hit the historic Italian city of Venice. The 6-foot high floodwaters damaged buildings, art, books, and other precious objects, and volunteers are streaming into the city to help. Listen to hear volunteers explain why they flocked to Venice after the flood and learn what is involved in saving the city’s valuable treasures.
Read MoreOctober 4, 2017
2:41
Mexico has had three huge earthquakes within 15 days. One earthquake registered 7.1, killing at least 245 people and injuring more than a thousand people in and around Mexico City. Volunteers, both with and without rescue experience, are searching for survivors in the rubble of collapsed buildings. People around Mexico are gathering to prepare food, hand out water, and support each other. Listen to hear more about how people from Mexico are coming together to help each other during this crisis.
Read MoreSeptember 28, 2017
3:54
Houston, Texas is recovering from Hurricane Harvey and students were delayed in going back to school. Many students are staying in shelters and teachers are volunteering to provide learning opportunities to children who were traumatized or displaced by the hurricane. One special education teacher created a group of educators called Teachers Volunteering in Shelters to help these students. Listen to hear more about these volunteers.
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