According to a new survey, 74% of Americans say 2020 has made them more aware of the needs of others—and more selfless than ever before.
A poll of 2,005 Americans revealed that since March 2020, people are more often embracing the idea of neighborly love. Some examples include:
87% of Americans have donated a portion of their paycheck, even though three in five experienced financial difficulties.
41% have helped a stranger across the street. 38% have gone out of their way to take out their neighbor’s trash, and 31% have walked their neighbor’s dog.
And, for those who live in snowy climates, one-third have shoveled out a neighbor’s car in the past year.
In general, seventy-two percent said they found themselves caring about the health and well-being of others significantly more in the past year.
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The survey, conducted by OnePoll in conjunction with Eyes of Hope, the charitable arm of VSP Global, aimed to discover how people are dealing with the impacts of the pandemic.
“It’s been incredibly meaningful to see how the challenges of the last year have caused us to care even more for each other,” stated Pat McNeil, a spokesperson for VSP Eyes of Hope.
“This study validates what we’ve been hearing from our employees and charitable partners: people are looking to better the lives of others and their communities because they envision a greater purpose after such a devastating year.”
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TOP Ways People Were Selfless
Volunteered my time for those less fortunate – 50%
Donated money to a charity – 48%
Helped a stranger across the street – 41%
Taken out the neighbor’s trash – 39%
Shoveled out my neighbors’ car – 38%
Reached out to a friend – 32%
Bought something for a stranger – 19%
Ultimately, while 2020 has been a difficult year for many, it’s heartening to hear that the experience has made a large majority a better person overall.
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