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SALT LAKE CITY — Finally, after weeks of uncertainty, Utah is moving into the next phase of its COVID-19 response.
Utah isn't out of the woods — far from it, in fact. There's still a chance we might have to go backward if cases increase. But some Utahns will be returning to work for the first time in a long time, and that's cause for celebration.
This week's Uplifting Utah features acts of selflessness and hope from Utahns who have stepped up in these uncertain times. The video above, for instance, features a "teacher's parade" of Whittier Elementary staff organized by Whittier teacher Brooke Lee, complete with a police escort. Here are three other stories to brighten your day:
Surprise party
"When my daughter Faith Sorensen was about to have her sweet 16th birthday, and found out no one would be there, she was devastated! So... secretly without my daughter knowing, and with only a few hours' notice, I put the word out there on Facebook for anyone who wanted to come drive by, to come at 6 p.m. 😬 to give her birthday wishes, So, I had our whole family go out and sit on the lawn just to 'hang out' so I could keep the surprise and HOPE someone, or anyone would show up?? THEN... at 6 p.m! And about every 3 minutes thereafter, a car showed up, with everything from 20-gallon bag of confetti thrown out to her with the use of a leaf blower, cars decorated with her name all over it, gifts thrown to her, yellow balloons from another car, birthday flags hanging out of drivers' doors, dancers in trucks, long honks from the car, more gifts, flowers and more!
"It was a DREAM come true, an EPIC birthday surprise that made her feel on top of the world! All out of the goodness of family and friends' hearts. Tears of joy! She sure felt the love... neighbors watched with tears in their eyes to see the good in the world!"
— Nichole Lorrigan-Sorensen
Meals on Wheels
Helping the elderly and isolated is more important now than ever. The terrible paradox of COVID-19 is that it forces us apart when we most need each other, and that's never more true than with older adults who rely on services like Meals on Wheels. Fortunately, these organizations have found safe ways to keep serving during this time. Here's one Box Elder High student on why he volunteers with Meals on Wheels:
Box Elder High School Senior, Daxton Hadley, describes his experience delivering Meals on Wheels. #deliveringadifference...
Posted by Brigham City Senior Center on Wednesday, April 22, 2020
Free auto work for first responders and medical professionals
Tons of businesses have stepped up to provide free meals and services to medical providers, first responders and others on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Here, a Salt Lake City auto shop does its part:
PLEASE WATCH: Important message from Steve's Automotive Specialists! Help us get the word out!
Posted by Steve's Automotive Specialists on Monday, April 27, 2020
