The coronavirus pandemic has caused closures across the country and instilled widespread panic in our communities. But some local businesses and institutions are taking this time to give back. Here are a few ways Valley restaurants, residents and organizations are making a difference during the age of COVID-19 – and how you can help, as well.
Creativity for a Cause
Local photographer Danny Upshaw is fascinated with the iconic Westward Ho, a subsidized housing complex for the elderly and mobility impaired in Downtown Phoenix. In an effort to help the people who live there that are financially struggling during this uncertain time, Upshaw is offering prints of three of these photos for $100 each, with 100 percent of the funds raised going directly to Westward Ho residents. Contact him on Instagram at @unheard_harmony if you would like to contribute to this project.
Support for Seniors
All Bashas’, Food City and AJ’s grocery stores in Arizona will be open from 5 to 6 a.m. every Wednesday exclusively for adults over the age of 65. Shoppers will be asked to show a valid I.D. at the door and are allowed to be accompanied by a caretaker. All purchase limitations will remain in effect.
Day of Giving
Mandated restaurant closures aren’t stopping Valley Jersey Mike’s locations from giving back. Every March, the restaurant donates 100 percent of its proceeds to Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Though the sandwich joint’s Day of Giving on March 25 is cancelled due to coronavirus concerns, it’s still accepting donations that day. Diners can use the restaurant’s mobile app to order sandwiches and wraps to go and give to a great cause.
Delicious Donations
From Wednesday, March 18 to Wednesday, March 25, Koiboto Poke will be serving up a special offer that supports children in the community. For every Kid’s Bowl Special – a bowl with 2.5 ounces of chicken with rice and two toppings – Koiboto will donate $1 to the Paiute Neighborhood Center, which provides social, recreational, cultural and educational programs and services for families in need.
Community Relief
The Arizona Community Foundation has set up an Arizona COVID-19 Community Response Fund to support Arizona nonprofits as they respond to the spread of coronavirus. All contributions to the fund will be distributed to local nonprofit organizations. You can donate directly to the fund at azfoundation.org.
Food Security
United Food Bank in Mesa is continuing to ensure that clients of its community program, Help Yourself Food Co-Op, still have access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food. Due to concerns about coronavirus, volunteers will deliver a pre-loaded cart of groceries to recipients’ vehicles.
Complimentary Concierge
All Larry H. Miller Dealerships in Arizona will be offering free pickup and drop-off service for customers with service appointments in an effort to help those whose health is at risk and aid those providing critical care services get to work.
Pizzas for Charity
Local realtor and entrepreneur Mike Snitz is simultaneously helping local restaurants and those in need by purchasing pizzas from La Piazza Al Forno and delivering them to a few of his favorite local charities, Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS), Colina Family Shelter Serves and St. Vincent De Paul.
Personal Protective Equipment Production
Two local companies are teaming up to aid in the production of personal protective equipment (PPE) for health care workers and first responders. Skincare brand PCA Skin is partnering with local fashion incubator FABRIC and its nonprofit, Arizona Apparel Foundation, to produce FDA-approved reusable isolation gowns and other safety items. April 13 through 30, PCA Skin will donate 100 percent of proceeds from its daily care mask sales to Arizona Apparel Foundation so it can provide PPE to those working tirelessly to combat COVID-19.
Health Supplements for First Responders
Locally based supplement company Mdrive recently donated 500 bottles of its Mdrive Elite supplement to the United Phoenix Firefighter Association, which consists of more than 2,600 firefighters in Phoenix, Tempe, Glendale, Chandler and Peoria. Mdrive Elite supports energy, immune health and muscle recovery and aids in stress reduction.
Cases for a Cause
Last week, Arizona-based water brand Purely Sedona donated 1,650 cases of water (nearly 40,000 bottles) to St. Mary’s Food Bank. On April 14 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., Purely Sedona will set up a drive-through at Someburros in Chandler to sell water to those who have struggled to find it in stores. For every case of water sold, the water company will donate a case to St. Mary’s Food Bank. Customers will also receive 20 percent off their order at Someburros.
Complimentary Counseling
The Scottsdale-based Aurit Center for Divorce Mediation co-founder, Michael Aurit, is offering free one-hour online family mediation for first responders and their spouses who are experiencing pandemic-related stress.
Restaurant Relief
Gaxiola Law Group and Litwak Law Group are jointly sponsoring a free lunch for medical workers, first responders and other essential workers at Kettle Black Kitchen & Pub from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and a free dinner at Seamus McCaffrey’s Irish Pub and Restaurant from 7 p.m. until donated monies run out on Friday, April 24. This event aims to provide aid to two struggling Downtown restaurants and show support to essential employees during these unprecedented times.
