Heroes & Helpers –

Socially conscious commuters now working from home are redirecting the savings to lend a hand to local charities that are taking a hit and as the economic fallout of the world-wide shutdown hammers millions of others who’ve been laid off.

Kelly Johnson, now working from home for Acrisure, an insurance brokerage company in Grand Rapids, Michigan, realized she wasn’t just saving on commuting expenses but entertainment and gym workouts.

Her response: “Use it to bless others.”

“At first it was like, ‘Oh, this is great — I have all this extra money in my budget,’” said Johnson, 29. “But then I had three friends within 24 hours who got laid off. I thought, how can I support the people around me?”

A similar trend seen in Britain, people who suddenly aren’t making expensive commutes into London are donating the difference to the National Health Service; a campaign that provides menstrual pads to women who are homeless, refugees or struggling financially; and a nonprofit that helps victims of domestic violence.

The phenomenon is powering a hashtag on social media: #DonateYourCommute.