The COVID-19 pandemic caused disturbances felt around the world, including manufacturing and labor shortages. Due to this, over the past few years, there have been unprecedented supply chain problems with products ranging from vaccines to toilet paper, new cars, and even semiconductor chips for electronics. This is something that is to be expected when there is a sudden spike in the demand for goods and services, however, the ups and downs of the pandemic have certainly exaggerated the shortages, known as the bullwhip effect.
Another factor creating a major issue is the COVID-19 virus itself, and the many variants that have followed since the original strain. The surges in cases and the uptick with the new variants left massive labor shortages as infected workers were forced to quarantine, and businesses needed to implement new restrictions within the workplace. China has implemented a ‘Zero COVID strategy’, which is likely to continue to interrupt production and shipping. With all these factors considered, the supply chain crisis is expected to continue well into 2022, but thankfully there are ways to combat manufacturing labor and material shortages.
Some of the things I’m thankful for:
- My husband, daughter and 3 wonderful grandsons who I live with and support each day. Having 3 toddlers in the house can have its challenges, but they sure bring so much life and happiness. I’m thankful for sharing our family meals for which I’m doing much more cooking these days. Thankfully I love to cook! A special thanks to all the Boston Centerless (BC) team members who are sharing some great recipes on social media. And, I’m very thankful for those restaurants that are providing take out for those nights I just need a break from cooking!
- Technology: Skype, Zoom, Teams and the many social media apps which have allowed me to ‘meet’ and ‘visit’ with my new grandson, Wes, who was born on April 11th out of state. And of course, for my wonderful son and daughter- in-law who have turned out to be great parents. I’m thankful for all the pictures and videos they send keeping me up to date with what’s going on in their lives and Wes’s progress.
- My sister- in-law who hosts Saturday night bingo games via Zoom. Bingo has never been my thing but these weekly games have proven to be a lot of fun where a large group of family and friends can spend a couple of hours together, catch up and share a few laughs.
- My other friends and family members that call or send a quick message just to say hi, or see how things are going.
- My BC family – our CEO and all of my co-workers who are true heroes. BC has remained open throughout this pandemic to support our customers’ needs. BC has taken every step to protect its employees from this virus from day one, well before there were mandates regarding safety standards issued by the federal, state or local governments. I’m extremely thankful for my continued employment and working with such a great team of caring people.
- Our vendors who have kept our supply chain running during COVID-19 so that we can fulfill customers’ orders.
- Our customers who continue to purchase BC’s products and services.
- All of the other heroes out there that are caring for our sick, protecting our well being and providing food and supplies to those in need.
- The teachers who have gone above and beyond and have become superheroes in educating our children and grandchildren under such difficult circumstances. My oldest grandson was lucky enough to have one of those amazing teachers!
This time has also made me think more of those less fortunate; those not able to see or spend time with their families and loved ones, the homeless, those at home but possibly in abusive relationships, the children that may be lacking food because they’re not in school, the students whose education may have been negatively affected, the graduates that possibly missed out on some of the greatest experiences of their lives.
But I am also thankful for the philanthropists, large and small, and philanthropic organizations that help those in need, especially for educational, religious and scientific causes.
John D. Rockefeller was a great philanthropist. He took care of his family first, of course; but he founded the University of Chicago in 1892, the Rockefeller Institute in 1901, and the Rockefeller Foundation in 1911, and made other substantial gifts along the way. He was America’s first billionaire to endow the Rockefeller Foundation whose goal was “to promote the well-being of mankind throughout the world.” The foundation contributed to achievements such as the development of a yellow fever vaccine and the successful eradication of hookworm disease in the United States.
While we are clearly not all billionaire philanthropists, my hope is that we can all do our part to help those in need, stop the spread of this horrible virus, keep a positive outlook to better face life’s challenges going forward and always remain grateful for who, and what, we do have.
