Whether or not you realize it, this virus has impacted SO many different people from different walks of life. The rate at which it impacted individuals, families, businesses, and communities, seems like the difference between night and day. 

While the best thing we can do for each other from a public health perspective is to practice social distancing, it’s ultimately led to tons of businesses to close their doors and it’s impacted thousands financially. It’s hard to hear stories of business owners who had to let employees go, individuals who lost their jobs struggle with how they’re going to provide for themselves or their families, and just the overall negative impact of how people can carry on with their lives.

However, all hope is not lost. There are still plenty of ways for us to rally as a community to help those in need during this time. I believe in the power of community and empathy and these are just some of the ways that you can still support businesses while practicing social distancing: 

Purchase gift cards for later use

So many local businesses have online gift cards available for purchase. Check out this website that lists tons of those businesses. If your business or favorite business(es) aren’t already on there, make sure to add them! It’s growing daily. A lot of businesses are also offering incentives for purchasing gift cards too!

Leave a positive review on their Yelp, Google, or Facebook page

It goes without saying how far a positive review will go for a business. Honest and positive reviews help local businesses expand their customer base because people trust their community. It also helps with search rankings. This is especially important for businesses that don’t have social media outside websites that host reviews. Show your favorite businesses some love by writing on their Yelp, Google, or Facebook page and don’t forget to add pictures if you have any!

Share their posts on social media

Local businesses are posting frequently on social media to try to get the word out about new business practices they’re adopting to keep up with the changing economic environment. Sharing their posts on your stories or tagging your friends helps get the word out. Every little bit helps.

Book services for later, but pay now (if you can)

There are plenty of independent businesses that offer services who have to shut their doors if their line of work is not deemed essential. Think about those who are freelancers, in esthetics, or in other industries but are self-employed. 

I have a few friends in Austin, like Monique who’s a personal chef and putting together weekly meal preps. My cousin Mary Joy, who is also my hairstylist, is packaging up some of her services to book for later and also sells hair products on her website. If you have kids, Starr is doing drop-off balloon packages filled with tons of activities to do together!

These are just a few examples of independent business owners who could user your help. There are tons more in the community.

Order takeout if the restaurant still complies with sanitization laid out by the CDC and your local government

Austin Takeout Tracker is a great resource for local restaurants that are open during COVID-19. If you are ordering takeout, try to opt for contactless pickup if you can to minimize the spread of germs.

Offer to tip extra when you can or look into virtual tip jars

If you’re ordering takeout, try to tip a bit more if you can. Other businesses in the service industry have also set up virtual tip jars through Venmo or GoFundMe to help support their employees.

Virtual tip jars in Austin: Jacoby Restaurant Group, Tso Delivery

Donations Donations Donations

Austin Disaster Relief Network is asking for donations of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as hand sanitizers, N95 masks, latex-free gloves, face shields, and more. Please do not hoard these items, especially if they are being used improperly.

Central Texas Food Bank is asking for monetary donations to keep their shelves stocked to support Texans in need during COVID-19. Donate here.

Blood donations are actually super important right now as the virus is threatening the US supply of platelets, AB blood, and blood plasma. Check out the American Red Cross to find out your local blood donation center.

Foster or Adopt a pet

Because of the new regulations, adoption centers are trying to control the amount of staff and volunteers, which means that most centers stopped taking in new animals. If you’ve been thinking about fostering or adopting, now is the time to find your new fur baby.

My heart goes out to all of the local businesses, their employees, and others in our community who are impacted by this virus. At the end of the day, the best thing that we can do for each other as a community is to be kind, empathetic, and practice social distancing. Stay safe y’all.