The Bright Side: Aid for Native Americans, Nike donations, TV reunion

Ryan Wang, Staff Writer • May 7, 2020

“The Bright Side” is a new series which will discuss three pieces of positive news taking place across the state, nation and world in light of COVID-19.

Editor’s note: “The Bright Side” is a new series that highlights three pieces of positive news that are taking place across the state, nation and world during the COVID-19 pandemic.

1. News: Native American tribes have been hit hard by COVID-19.

On the Bright Side: Since lack of running water and groceries on Native American reservations forces families to leave their homes in search of resources, their rate of infection is high. However, a GoFundMe campaign was launched by families of the Navajo and Hopi tribes to raise money for resources and treatment has already raised over $3 million. A large portion of donations were by Irish citizens, who are repaying a debt of gratitude after Native American tribes aided them during the Irish Potato Famine, more than 170 years ago.

2. News: Health Workers are still working overtime in COVID-19 response.

On The Bright Side: Nike has donated 30,000 pairs of their specially designed shoes for healthcare workers across the nations. The shoes were designed to handle 12-hour shifts and over 5 miles of walking, and made with material that is easy to wipe down and clean. Nike has also donated over 100,000 other apparel items for a total of around $5.5 million. Nike continues to distribute personal protective equipment and face masks for hospitals across the U.S.

3. News: More funding is needed to keep up demand for COVID-19 relief products and services.

On The Bright Side: The cast of “Parks and Rec” reunited after five years to create a 25-minute special to raise money for COVID-19 relief. The episode, which has already raised more than $3 million, starred the original cast including Amy Poehler, Rashida Jones, Aziz Ansari, Nick Offerman, Aubrey Plaza, Chris Pratt, Adam Scott, Jim O’Heir, Rob Lowe, and even Paul Rudd. The episode explores the lives of the characters after the show ended five years ago, and how they’re dealing with the coronavirus pandemic.

About the Contributors

Ryan Wang, Section Editor

They say third time’s the charm, but as senior Ryan Wang struggles to write his third (and last) staff bio, he feels anything but charming. Being crowned the new Arts & Entertainment editor for TRL, he’s spent the past few months perfecting his craft by watching an unhealthy amount of movies.. Having lost touch with reality, he’s gone back to his roots and doing what he does best: making sandwiches, walking his cat, and shouting loudly at the Pittsburgh Penguins on TV. Needless to say, he can’t wait to go back to school to see his friends, zone out in class, and go on boba-trips eight times a week. Aside from running his extremely legit “Magic Zappy Machine” business, Ryan is also involved in speech & debate, investing club, dishwashing, NHS, and of course, The Red Ledger. He’s looking forward to another great year on staff, where he’ll be looking to connect with new writers, producing great content, and most importantly, raiding the local snack cabinet.

Hannah Gonzalez, Graphics Editor

Mama Mia, here we go again. As she takes her last ride in the TRL classroom, Hannah Gonzalez is ready to end this year with a bang. Gonzalez serves as a Co-Graphics editor for the third year in a row and this is her fourth year on staff. When she’s not making killer graphics, you can most likely find Gonzalez on the volleyball court, at FCA meetings, in school or going for a joy ride in the Jeep that she named “Beep.” Although TRL is life, Gonzalez also enjoys going for late-night ice cream runs, watching early morning sunrises, going to church every Sunday morning and going on an occasional lake trip. To add to her list of accomplishments, Gonzalez has won three state championships and is looking for a fourth. With her happy planner by her side, Gonzalez is looking forward to kicking procrastination to the curb as she conquers her final year as a high school student.