Dear Editor:
We live in uncertain times.
The virus is still raging. Vaccines are being developed, but we will not know when they will be available or their effectiveness for a while. Schools are being pushed to reopen. Congressional leaders are grappling with whether there should be further federal legislation to remedy problems related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The federal $600/week unemployment supplement has expired as has the moratorium on rent evictions. The Paycheck Protection Program that helps businesses retain workers and keep their businesses afloat expires this week. Local and state governments are struggling to pay for expenses they have incurred related to the virus.
And we are in the midst of an election cycle with plenty of finger pointing.
Whew! What’s a person to do? Are there tangible ways to help?
Absolutely! I suggest you join me in thinking locally – looking for opportunities to help that bolster your local community.
There are no hard and fast rules other than the concept: “If you see a need, try to meet it.”
One of these might be as basic as donating to the food bank in your area. I expect this need will grow significantly if there is no movement on unemployment supplement or eviction moratorium extension legislation. Also we can support our local United Way and community organizations/foundations that provide direct support to people and organizations in need.
Pay attention to the local organizations and small businesses that you value and which make your community vibrant. What local businesses and organizations (thinking arts and culture here) would cause you to be crushed if they closed up shop? Many of these are hanging on by a thread now because, though the economy has reopened, it is certainly not business as usual pre COVID days. Seating is reduced in restaurants, the number of customers in stores is restricted, live performances in larger venues are on hold. Less money is coming in, but the bills are still there. Seeing more out of state plates on cars downtown is encouraging but cannot mask the fact that many small businesses are 35-40% down from last year because of losing the time the economy was on lockdown and the restrictions in place now while reopened.
The challenge for small businesses and organizations is pretty basic – cash flow. One specific, helpful action we can take is putting money right now into their cash registers. But maybe we don’t need a specific product or service right now. I suggest we identify specific businesses that we value and have patronized in the past and buy a gift certificate or gift card from them right now.
Because of the virus plus reduced mobility from a bad hip and now recovery from hip replacement surgery I have not spent a lot of time (nor money) in our local restaurants and shops. One specific action I am taking, and one I encourage you to do as well if your financial situation allows it, is to buy a batch of gift cards/gift certificates from locally owned businesses to use in the future or for give away. This infusion of cash will be well appreciated.
There is never a better time than now to think local. Please chime in on this thread with suggestions you have to strengthen our local communities.
John Manchester
Lewisburg