Corona Couriers: Carrying 40 Pounds of Essentials Throughout NYC: Morgan Sykes Artwork

Finding the Helpers

In Season 1 of Finding the helpers, we are bringing personal stories of front line staff and families impacted by COVID-19. Our diverse guests will be invited to share their story of being on the front line, and in combination to their story, two expressive art therapists will provide art and creative activities that will support the challenges the individual and their family is facing. These could include ideas for short relaxation techniques to be done on the front line, creative ways to explain in kid friendly terms what is happening, ways to stay connected to family and children during long periods of isolation, etc.Throughout the podcast, conversation will include mental health insight related to the pandemic, anxiety and stress, grief and loss, resiliency, coping skills, and understanding the pandemic. Presented by the nonprofit Playing to Live's, whose history began in 2014 as a grassroots program focused on bringing play and creativity in the midst of the Ebola deadly viruses. Following our work in Ebola, we have continued our work as advocates and creators for play and expression across the globe in refugee settings, post war countries, and in the United States of America.

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Finding the Helpers

Corona Couriers: Carrying 40 Pounds of Essentials Throughout NYC: Morgan Sykes

April 13, 2020 • Season 1 • Episode 2

The first guest to the podcast is Morgan Sykes. At the beginning of 2020, Morgan planned to make her journalism comeback, but then the pandemic hit. In a desire to serve her community, Morgan posted a tweet that went viral, offering to help with grocery shopping and delivery on her bike. She quickly became overwhelmed with delivery requests and a “bizarre” amount of media attention.

Then, she found Corona Couriers*, a team of volunteers offering free low-contact deliveries using a “neighbors helping neighbors” model. She joined them and hit the ground running. Specializing in long-haul trips, she can carry up to 40lbs at a time.

Listen to Morgan's story of finding her strengths and stepping up to be a part of an essential volunteer network to provide vulnerable New Yorkers their essential goods. Later in the episode, Kristen and Alexis introduce self-care activities that Morgan and all of our listeners can use inspired by Morgan's story and the challenges they face.

Read more about Morgan's story and the activities presented on this podcast on our blog. Do you know someone working on the front lines of the COVID-19 response? We want to hear from them. Please connect us with them by emailing us at info@playingtolive.org. And finally, please subscribe to our podcast, give us a rating, leave a comment, and share the podcast with others who you think may enjoy it.

*For listeners tuning in from NYC: Corona Couriers has funds available to buy groceries for those who cannot afford it right now. Please call or text (929)320-0660, or email coronacourier@protonmail.com if you or someone you know needs help.

A special thank you to Josh Carter for our podcast's theme music. You can hear more of his band's music at https://prettylittlegoat.com.