By now, the coronavirus has completely changed day-to-day life for our entire community, and although we remain open for business, it still feels like all the things we love to do have been put on hold. It’s a difficult time, for sure, but it’s also a time when we can show our support for local businesses. And they need it. Now maybe more than ever.
At J. W. Shuster & Son Garage Door, we love being a part of the community and care deeply about our neighbors and the small businesses we serve – not to mention the people who help us do our job better every day – from the servers we’ve gotten to know when we go to lunch, to the people who keep our trucks up and running.
Over the past week, we’ve been looking for ways we can support small businesses while they are closed. Below is the list we came up with and we thought we’d share it with you.
Go holiday shopping. In March. Here’s how you do it: First, make a list of all of your favorite local shops, then get online and see which ones take online orders. If they do, now is the time to do your Christmas shopping. Just think of how much time you’ll have come December. Here is a fantastic article about shopping local while sheltering in place.
Buy gift certificates. One day, in the very near future, we’re going to get back to a new normal. When that happens, we’ll be more than ready to visit our favorite businesses in person again. Purchasing gift cards is an investment in their future. It’s also cash for them now that you can redeem later, so it puts money in their pockets at a time when they need it the most.
Take advantage of online exercise. Reduce stress and get some exercise with an online class offered by your local fitness facility. Many YMCAs, big gyms and little studios have set up classes offered on Facebook and zoom.com. Plenty of these are free, but you if take an online class on a regular basis, you may want to send the instructor or facility a donation. You can do this easily through Venmo.
Support local charities. The coronavirus has really put local nonprofits and charities to the task. Consider going online to find out what your favorite charity needs and help out. The Food Bank Network of Somerset County for ways you can donate to help feed those in need. Need a friend to quarantine with? Contact the Plainfield Animal Humane Society while the shelter is closed.
One the greatest things about a crisis is that it shows how capable the Plainfield community is of doing extraordinary things. Stay well, from all of us at J.W. Shuster & Son Garage Door.