At first blush, this pandemic business seems like it’s just “us against the virus”. Each of us is waging a battle, and the objective is to defeat the virus… remain healthy. Bored perhaps, but healthy. Even a bit pudgier. The internet meme generators are having a field day with how none of us can seem to stop snacking while Netflixing our days away.
But there are some people for whom the rug was pulled out from under them when this pandemic hit. Their life turned upside down in an instant. People with abusive spouses suddenly stuck at home all day together. Rampant alcoholism, made worse with nothing to do and nowhere to be. Starvation, which had previously been held off thanks to school lunch programs: in some children’s lives, the only square meal they get each day.
Yes, this pandemic has revealed some glaring truths about us and our neighbors. But it’s not all ugly. In fact, some of it is downright beautiful. It seems that for every marginalized group who has been made more vulnerable by this, there are people who call out from the distance, “I see you!” And they run to help. One such person is Zane Powels, the assistant headteacher at Western Primary School in Grimsby, a coastal township in England. While the pandemic spreads and quarantines remain in place, this teacher delivers meals – 78 of them every day – to the children of his town. Each bagged lunch has a sandwich, potato chips, a small dessert, and an apple.
Teacher Delivers Meals To Grateful Families
The route that Mr. Powels travels every day is about 5 miles, but he says that any discomfort he feels is nothing in comparison to what some families are going through. “It encourages parents to stay in their homes with their children, and keeps everyone safe,” he says. (1) As a former soldier, this caring teacher doesn’t just power young minds… he is a protector too. He uses these deliveries as a chance to check in on their welfare. Not just that of the kids – but of the parents too.
Mr. Powels has become something of a local hero in the last few weeks, as he’s made the rounds to each house. One way folks have chosen to honor him is with colorful posters hung throughout town. One simply reads “LEGEND!! MR POWELS” in huge capital letters.
With an incredible 4 out of 10 children registered at Western Primary School classed as disadvantaged, indeed Zane Powels is a hero to them. But this man who is a teacher, a soldier, and a fitness enthusiast all rolled into one, is also humble. He doesn’t agree with the designation. “It’s just my job”, he told BBC news. (1)
Teacher Delivers Meals, And Hope Too
As the quarantine continues, you may find it gets harder to keep your chin up. Boredom and fear are playing on all of us right now, but we don’t have to let them win. One of the best things we can do to keep our own spirits lifted is to help others. Try it! Any good deed will do. Especially if you are among those for whom this really is a Netflix marathon and a meme in the making. These things don’t make us feel as hopeful and alive as a connection with others does. Giving and receiving attention and care (to all aspects of life, not just people), is one graceful way through this pandemic… perhaps the only way. Zane Powels seems to really understand that, and he’s walking the walk every day.
