New Survey Says 7 in 10 Americans Say 2020 Made Them a Better Person
[May 12, 2021: Josh Shavit]
In a year that most would categorize as catastrophic for so many, enfused with so much sacrifice, suffering and loss, for some, there may have been a silver lining. A new poll conducted by OnePoll in conjunction with Eyes of Hope, the charitable arm of VSP Global, has revealed that seven in 10 Americans feel that 2020 made them a better person.
The survey, polled 2,005 Americans and was designed to find out how people were dealing with the impacts of the pandemic. Results found include:
87% of Americans have donated a portion of their paycheck, even though three in five have experienced financial difficulties of their own.
74% of Americans said 2020 made them more aware of the needs of others—and more selfless than ever before.
41% percent of people said they have helped a stranger cross the street; 38% said they have taken out their neighbor’s trash, and 31% said they have walked their neighbors dogs.
And, for those who live in snowy climates, one-third have shoveled out a neighbor’s car in the past year.
Overall, more Americans are showing kindness, with 72% said they found themselves caring about the health and well-being of others significantly more in the past year.
Pat McNeil, a spokesperson for VSP Eyes of Hope said, “It’s been incredibly meaningful to see how the challenges of the last year have caused us to care even more for each other." “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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