In late 2019, a coronavirus known as 

COVID-19 rocked the world, killing thousands of people across Asia, Europe & the world.  For the first time in a century, entire industries were closed down, millions were laid-off & a "stay at home" order was in place in most states.  Store shelves were often empty of essentials & many people were not prepared for this emergency. 

Even though a National Health Emergency was declared by President Trump in January of 2020, along with a travel ban from China, most Americans were not aware of this threat until March.  

It was mid-March when the President announced national social distancing guidelines, to help reduce the spread of the virus, initially for 15 days, but then extended them through April, with most states extending them through May & June.  

With most states under a "stay at home" order, and millions of people out of work, 

it was at this time that many people looked for ways to help each other, and to stay connected to friends & family.  

Many people donated supplies to hospitals or delivered food to elderly neighbors.  Families forced to stay at home found 

ways to have fun together, and ways to connect with extended family online. 

To remember those lost to COVID-19, and 

to celebrate the heroics of our frontline medical professionals, along with everyday heroes who made masks, delivered food, donated blood, and much more, we will set aside the last Saturday each March, to do any combination of 3 things: Serve Others, Prepare for an Emergency, and Stay At Home to connect with our family with dinner, movies, board games, etc.

To learn about opportunities to serve visit: www.JustServe.org

https://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-make-a-difference-day-fourth-saturday-in-october/ 

If we learned anything from COVID-19 

it was that most Americans were not prepared.  Stores were constantly out of: toilet paper, hand sanitizer, N95 masks, among other supplies.  

Use "Stay At Home Day" as a reminder to make sure you have an emergency plan in place along with enough emergency food, water, and survival gear to handle an emergency, whether it be a pandemic, earthquake, or man-made disaster.  

Visit these following sites:

www.https://montemlife.com/how-to-make-a-survival-kit/

https://theprepared.com/bug-out-bags/guides/bug-out-bag-list/ 

Even if you can't volunteer, and already have your "Go Bags" packed & ready... The heart of "National Stay At Home Day" is never forgetting the lives lost & sacrifices made, by staying at home one night... 

make dinner together as a family, make some popcorn and watch a movie, or 

have a family game night!  

Hopefully you do this more than once a year, but use this day as a reminder to serve others, get prepared, and make some memories with family at home!

https://www.countryliving.com/shopping/g31979328/family-board-games/

https://www.houseguides.org/best-board-games/