Good News: Communities Come Together Amid Coronavirus
We know COVID-19 has become overwhelming. Your inbox is full of updates from businesses and the news and social media have been taken over by the issue. In these difficult times, it’s important to look for the good. Uplifting stories are popping up everywhere of businesses helping communities and we want to share a few from the communities in Tualatin Valley.
The Beaverton Downtown Association worked with businesses in the area to create a central information page for what’s open and started a “Takeout Thursday” campaign to call on folks to support them. Several shops also teamed up with to create a cooperative system for bundled delivery within 24 hours.
The Beaverton Farmers Market made news with its innovative approach to social distancing. Organizers implemented a drive-thru system for the winter market, which went smoothly enough the first time that they’re keeping it up! You can also pre-order from vendors to reduce the amount of time you spend waiting. Read more >>>
Businesses have had to be resourceful, from setting up takeout and delivery systems for their existing products to creating entirely new ones. Restaurants that never offered takeout or delivery before have experimented and found success, like decarli, and Top Burmese even opened its Beaverton location — Bistro Royale — as takeout-only to start.
While most taphouses and breweries already had the option to fill up growlers to-go, The 649 Taphouse started canning cocktails as well. So far, they’ve canned a Moscow Mules, Old Fashioned and Whiskey Sour – available to go during “Antisocial Hours.”
Arts and crafts workshops like AR Workshop in Orenco and Live Laugh Love Art in Tigard have shifted from in-house classes to DIY at home kits. You can pick kits up curbside and make your own craft project at home.
Not only have many small businesses rallied to stay open for takeout and delivery now that their dining rooms must stay closed, some have gone above and beyond to offer more than their usual fare.
Lionheart Coffee owners Ben and Lauren Reece realized with schools closing, many kids might need access to meals they usual get at school. While keeping their two coffee shops in Beaverton open, they also started packing bagged lunches to give away to anyone in need. Their kindness made headlines last week and they continue to collect donations and supplies for more lunches each day. Read more >>>
Rose City Distilling in Tigard put its supplies and machinery to extra good use by bottling hand sanitizer for local first responders. The distillery made about 3,500 bottles last week and donated to the Tigard Police Department, Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue, TriMet and Portland Police Bureau. They also called on other distilleries to do the same. Read More >>>
Ezell’s Famous Chicken, which opened its Tigard location in February, has stepped up to give back during this difficult time. They’re offering takeout and delivery while also donating meals to fight hunger in the community. Read More >>>
Raptor Ridge Winery has donated 20 cases of wine to healthcare providers in the Portland area. Emergency room workers on the COVID-19 front lines at Tuality, OHSU, Providence and Legacy got special deliveries of Pinot Noir.
It’s heartening to see neighbors helping neighbors and businesses helping communities and supporting each other during a strange and challenging time for everyone.