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There is no denying that tough times lie ahead, but we at Senior Planet have been lucky enough to find light as a community during this difficult time.

Thanks to the unbelievable dedication of Senior Planet members and staff, we have seen unprecedented collaboration and growth over the last month and a half, allowing us to bring together more older adults than ever before. Between a Friday and a Monday, we pivoted our entire program delivery model, and we’ve since been able to offer 165 unique online programs to over 8,000 participants from around the country. We also started a comprehensive nationwide calling campaign to reach out to over 2,800 older adults nationwide, offering support and helping them get online, and created new guides to low-cost internet and devices, Zoom trainings in three languages, resource compilations, and much more. The impact has been measurable: 89% of people who participate in our online programs say they feel more connected as a result, and 78% say they are more equipped to find resources online.

But mostly, we’re inspired by the fortitude of readers like you, who are refusing to let social distancing make your voice any smaller. The way you— Senior Planet readers, members, and participants— have shown up to support one another online is inspiring. Whether it’s in the comment sections here on seniorplanet.org or in the daily virtual social gatherings, you have shared resources and kindness that have brought all of us closer together.

Now we’re asking for your help.

We’re joining the national giving movement, #GivingTuesdayNow on May 5, help us continue to offer programs that fight social isolation and teach the skills older adults need to access essential online resources.

#GivingTuesdayNow is a new global day of giving in response to COVID-19. It’s a day when we can come together and give back in all ways, no matter who or where we are— an opportunity for people around the world to use their individual power of generosity to remain connected.

Even as we practice physical distancing, we can remain connected through kindness and generosity. Generosity can help alleviate the isolation and loneliness that many of us feel during this time, and our ability to give help and hope can counter feelings of powerlessness.

Here are the two ways you can generously support Senior Planet now:

1. If you’re able to give at this time, please help support Senior Planet’s work by donating to help us hit our fundraising goal of $5,000.
2. Help spread the word on social media! We’re asking our members and partners from around the country to post their support of Senior Planet on their social media pages on Tuesday, May 5 at 3pm.

By posting at that time, you will play a vital role in spreading awareness about our campaign and helping Senior Planet continue our work on behalf of older adults nationwide. Here’s how:

1. Make a sign that says “Why support Senior Planet now? Because…” (fill in your answer).
2. Take a photo with the sign (see example at the top of this article).
3. Post it on your social media at 3pm on May 5th and tag Senior Planet! (Facebook: @seniorplanet | Twitter: @seniorplanet | Instagram: @senior.planet)

Why support Senior Planet now? With quarantines and social distancing, the world has moved almost entirely online. People who feel uncomfortable with new technologies are now at a critical disadvantage— not only do we need to be able to access essential online services like telemedicine and food delivery, but all of us now need technology to maintain a social network. Social isolation is as detrimental to a person’s health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. We refuse to let that happen to older adults. Senior Planet programs help lay a foundation of social support and skill to help older adults manage their lives during this uncertain time, and we’re doing it with the same energy, candor, and attitude as ever.