SOCIAL UNDISTANCING: Chicago native helping kids through uncertain times

With boredom really close to setting in for all Americans right now, young children will be the first to have a meltdown – not understanding why they have stay inside, can't go see grandma or are not allowed to have friends over to play.

One Chicago native now living in Iowa is helping the cause.

Jessica Fick, who works at the University of Iowa by day, is trading in her Hawkeye yellow and donning her yellow ballgown and long curls and chatting with children as Disney's Belle in the evenings and on weekends.

Jessica has been working as a princess for six years and sees this as a chance to help out in a time of need all across the globe.

"I love it. I originally started dressing like a Princess for sick kids, through a group called Relentless, and have FaceTimed with them over the years when they're not able to go out or are in the hospital or just need a friend," Jessica said. "They can't always do normal kid stuff. The kids now can't really do normal kid stuff either, so this wasn't too much different. It seemed logical to apply what I've done in the past with the current situation. I think we all have ways we can help make the world a brighter place and this seemed like a good time for me to pull out the princess dress.

"The joy and excitement of the kids' kind of makes you forget all the seriousness that's going on in the world and gives you hope. I know that parents and kids are having a tough time of it right now, and this is something I can do to help without anyone having to leave home. It's great so see the happiness on kids' faces the excitement that these calls bring. It isn't much, but right now we can all use a little magic."

To schedule a call for a child, contact Jessica through Facebook, by copying and pasting this link into your browser https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002438775362.

You can also access her storytime videos on her Instagram at @LadysLitLife.

Jessica is doing these calls free of charge over Facebook Messenger, but those wanting to help the magic continue can donate children's books to read in a story time video - new or used.