We are collecting stories about how our customers and fellow small business owners have been behaving these last few weeks and we don't mean the stories that involve toilet paper wars. We're talking about quite the extreme opposite behavior so we hope the following examples will inspire you and make you proud of the community you live in.
A few weekends ago, when the Temecula Farmer's market closed, some of our local farms alerted their customers via social media that folks could come to their home to purchase their weekly produce. What followed was a domino effect of "friends" sharing the original post and getting the word out so that people came in droves, and bought produce not just for their own families, but extra to take to others who might be in need. Thankfully, the Temecula Farmer's Market did open back up again after that weekend.
We've heard about so many other similar shopping sprees for others. If we had a buck for every time we've read in an email or text thread this past week, "let me know if you are in need of a specific item and I'll try to find it for you..." we'd have a nice wad of cash.
It has also been great to hear about how some people are still finding ways to be resourceful right now, as challenging as that may be. While one of you just spent hours at the laundromat washing sheets, bedding, towels, etc., another person we know had a carpet cleaning service over to clean her carpets, and have all of her furniture steam cleaned. I've noticed lots of cars being washed at the Car wash next door to our store as well. What a great way to sterilize every inch of our environments while keeping these small businesses going. We believe it IS possible to do these things while simultaneously observing the crucial social distancing ordinance so we LOVE hearing about those of you doing just that!
Kudos to those of you who are keeping the Pest Control guy scheduled even if that means only having him spray outside for the time being, and those of you who still have your gardening services going. We've also heard about the generous tips some of you beautiful souls have been giving for your take-out and food delivery services.
As I write this, I think of my own mom who would've been at a loss last week with her heater on the fritz in the midst of an extended period of cold rainy days had the heating company not responded so quickly to her request for an in-home consultation on the same day the Governor's Stay At Home ordinance went out. The Heating & Air company didn't just show up but they did everything in their power to help my mom and NOT gauge her in the repair of her furnace.
And while we are extremely passionate about small business and our economy, it would be remiss of us to fail to mention all the work that's happening among our non-profit organizations and churches. I'm talking about you, 12-Step sponsor who's still making time in this insanity, to call your sponsees to help those dealing with anxiety, loneliness and isolation right now. I'm talking about our clergy who are suddenly having to find ways to provide online services and minister to their flock at a distance, all with a skelton staff since tithes and offerings have dwindled as a result of so many losing their jobs; and the Vets programs who have their work cut out for them serving those with on-going issues of PTSD and now unemployment as well.
Are these real life people we know, making a real life difference in these difficult, even scary times? How could they NOT be? We are well aware that just these few examples mentioned are a mere drop in the bucket compared to the magnitude of what's happening around us. When I think about all of our first responders, our miltary, the folks in the medical/healthcare industry and those in education, (including you wonderful parents at home with kiddos just trying to navigate through home schooling), it's honestly overwhelming to think of all your sacrifice and selflessness. Thank you for the example you are setting for ALL of us, for making us want to be better, work harder and give more of ourselves. Thank you for making us want to serve one another so fervently and for making us want to fight as you are, for all that is right and good! May all of you be filled with strength, good health, safety, provision for ALL of your needs, and may you be filled with peace!