No one, including businesses, is spared during these unprecedented times. Businesses have especially been targeted and threatened by this pandemic. Even though staying open everyday is a struggle in itself, some businesses are doing their part to help out the community.
Places like Hy-Vee, the Davenport Public Library, McDonald’s and many more have been helping those in need. Many restaurants and stores have used the resources they have to make a difference in their communities.
With help from the Dole Food Company, Hy-Vee grocery stores were able to donate 32,000 bananas to local community members. About 26,000 families were given a bag full of two bunches of bananas. The space was provided by North Park mall for this event to take place.
Hy-Vee is not only helping families in need, but also adding safety requirements to in-store ventures. They are no longer allowing patrons to bring in reusable bags. They have also added indoor window dividers to ensure the safety of customers and cashiers. Starbucks has also eliminated the usage of previously owned cups.
Restaurants like McDonlad’s, Chick-fil-A, Subway, Starbucks, Noodles & Co. and Chipotle are donating food to people in need. These chains are using their money for good.
McDonald’s donated three million pounds of food to organizations across the country and is giving away free meals — dubbed “Thank You meals” — to first responders. Subway joined Feeding America to donate 15 million meals and an additional meal for every footlong that is purchased by a customer. And Noodles & Co. started giving out a free pasta bowl for every family meal purchased.
All of the contributions from these businesses are appreciated by those in need. However, other places are impacting the community in unique ways. The Davenport Public Library is using their resources to teach people how to make homemade cleaning supplies like soap and disinfectant wipes.
Senior Nick Kamp brought attention to the fact that businesses may be providing help for others, but could also use a little bit for themselves as well. “It’s important to remember that those business owners are also a part of our community and that they also need help,” he says.
The Downtown Davenport Partnership organized an event to help out local businesses by creating a drive-by shopping event. They created the event to help out businesses and to promote a safe shopping environment.
The objective of these generous gestures is obviously to help out the community. Jenna Aller, a senior, believes businesses can benefit from offering a helping hand. “People like to support businesses who also do their part for the community,” she says.
Giving back to the community is a positive way to bring good into the suffering world right now.. It not only helps others, but also helps the helpers in a positive cycle of good service. Those giving may also be receiving as well.
