Even though Becky Tiffany has two kids, runs her own company and is sequestered at home like much of the country, the Alexandrian felt like she needed to help people.
In her spare time, the mother of a T.C. Williams high schooler and a seventh-grader at George Washington Middle School, started a number of Facebook groups, including a group for parents and the Alexandria City Public School community, T.C. Williams High School parents, GW Middle School parents and moms in Old Town.
“I wanted something that wasn’t official and where people could just say what they think and talk through challenges,” Tiffany told ALXnow. “I moderate to enforce kindness and respect and delete spam but allow organic collaboration and discussion. It’s wonderful getting to truly know the other parents in your town and it makes it feel like you’re in this together.”
Another Facebook group, Alexandrians Supporting Alexandrians During COVID, has more than 1,200 members. Some posts offer a bit of levity through the tumult, and others are for donating items to the hospital or offering to help.
https://www.facebook.com/dianara.saget/posts/10158189945027265
Gail Gordon Donegan started the Strangers on a Train for Good — COVID-19 group in an effort to help feed elderly neighbors. The page also includes links to important information and articles related to the pandemic.
“I was trying to put people together around the country and Virginia,” Donegan said. “If I can go shopping for someone here, for someone who can’t go out. I can also do a favor for your family up here, if you have an older relative, because people can’t travel. Mostly, it’s like going to the grocery store for someone who can’t go out or their immune system is compromised.”
Even the contentious anti-Seminary Road Facebook group cast aside most of its political differences during the crisis.
“Obviously, everything is pretty tense right now,” wrote page administrator Chris Weymont. “We’re going to put on hold some of the immediate issues that face this group to focus on making sure everyone is getting what they need from our friends, neighbors, and the City.”
Photo via Alexandrians Supporting Alexandrians During COVID/Facebook
