Even at moment of social distancing, it’s ‘Volunteer Month’ and ‘Child Abuse Prevention Month’

While April is officially “Volunteer Month,” it’s always timely to recognize those who give their hours, skills, and thoughts to serve others. Whether mentors or tutors, helping in hospitals or disaster relief, volunteers assist those of all ages and bring us together.

This is harder when public health requires “social distancing.” But some volunteering can occur remotely, via phone or computer. Volunteers — with proper precautions — can help with urgent child care, collect critical supplies (or even make them), check on aging neighbors, pick up groceries and medicine — among other forms of mutual aid. Moreover, needs continue: preparing or delivering meals, running blood drives, distance learning, protecting children at risk.

As elsewhere, my hometown of New Haven sees volunteers from high school to college, from sports coaches and religion teachers to retired reading and math tutors.

As colleagues at United Way and community action agencies recognize, there’s a steady need for such volunteers — even if they are no substitute for the power and adequate funding of public agencies, or for philanthropic donations providing crucial complementary dollars for professional staff and infrastructure (databases, accounting, rent, insurance…