A famous Mister Rogers saying goes, “When I was a boy and I would see scary things on the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’” Now, perhaps more than ever, the whole world is witnessing scary things in the news. However, we’re also seeing people in our communities emerge, asking “How can I help?”
One way to offer immediate support to many is by supporting local businesses. These companies bring growth, creativity, and innovation to communities while stimulating local economies and neighborhoods. Local businesses bring a sense of community, and owners often know their customers individually and are one of the driving forces that bring vibrance and personality to neighborhoods. With local support being more important than ever, we at Hawkins International have put together a few ideas on how to support local businesses from home!
Buy Now, Use Later
While many of our local restaurants, coffee shops, hotels, and spas are closed for the time being, some are offering gift cards and bonds to use at a later date. Montage International developed Montage Cares Certificates, which can be redeemed for future hotel stays, and all profits go towards the Hearts of Montage Associate Relief Fund. Now’s the time to be thinking ahead about a future dinner-date at your favorite local restaurant, spa day with your gal-pals, or shopping spree at a retail destination like The SoNo Collection.
Take the Guilt out of Takeout
Before COVID-19, we’d see countless articles listing out reasons not to use food delivery apps and instead dedicate Sunday afternoons towards meal prepping for the week ahead. Luckily for those of us not so skilled in the kitchen, ordering takeout (curbside pick-up, of course) and delivery is one of the best ways to support local businesses. Many restaurants and hotels, including The Beverly Hills Hotel and Hotel Bel-Air in Los Angeles, are offering curbside pick-up, guaranteed to “curb” your craving. Sorriso Modern Italian Kitchen in The Woodlands, Texas is also serving up delicious, Italian meals via their curbside to-go service. So the next time you have a hankering for Thai food, don’t try to DIY it, check out your local restaurants on Seamless and Uber Eats!
Virtual Shopping Spree
You may have no place to go today, but come a few months from now, we’ll all be itching to pack our bags and hit the streets. While you daydream of your next adventure, why not invest in the perfect wardrobe to match? Many local boutiques and retail stores are offering online shopping and even personal shopping experiences via Zoom and Facetime. If you’re able to, contact your local clothing store and revamp your wardrobe for future fun and travel.
Workout from Home
We know the importance of moving our bodies to support mental and physical well-being. During this time, it can be difficult to find the motivation to workout from home, especially if you rely on your local gym or fitness studio for your daily dose of endorphins. With doors closed and classes canceled, this is a difficult time for our local fitness studios and gyms. Reach out to your favorite instructors and studios and ask if they’re offering any online classes, streaming options or utilizing Instagram to share their content. If you’re able to, ask your instructors for their Venmo and continue to pay what you can for their classes.