Paying it forward: Facebook group formed to help those in need gains thousands of members
DENVER — What started as a Facebook group to find babysitters has blossomed into a network of more than 13,000 people who have each other’s backs.
Jennifer and Kane Lisiecki created the private Facebook group, “Help Needed in Denver Metro COVID-19,” in the early days of the pandemic.
“I didn’t think this group would ever grow this big,” Jennifer said. “I didn’t think that people would come to help.”
“Yeah, I don’t think we ever expected it to take off like this and turn into such a big part of the community,” Kane said.
Jennifer was born and raised in Denver, and admitted she was struggling with how much the city has grown in her lifetime. But this group, she said, makes Denver “feel really small, feel like you're running next door to ask for a cup of sugar.”
The Lisieckis stressed that the group is open everywhere, whether they’re asking for help or looking to provide some. Kane said the group includes people from all walks of life, from doctors and lawyers to people experiencing homelessness.
Jennifer said moral support is just as important as physical items: “We’ve had people join who can’t give anything right now, but they’re able to encourage people. Or they’re able to say, ‘I was in your position six months ago, Let me tell you how I made it through.’”
“Even if you don’t have anything to give material-wise, your support will go a long way,” she continued. “You just telling people, ‘Hey, hang in there,’ goes a long way right now. Maybe you’re keeping somebody going.”