WEATHERING THE STORM
LOCAL BUSINESSES HELP DURING RECOVERY
I
n the days and weeks after the derecho,
profits such as the Zach Johnson Foundation
organizations and individuals stepped up to
and Urban Dreams helping mobilize groups
help the community. Many are wonderful
and provide a coordinated response,”
stories you have probably heard — such as Willie
said Ana Stomp, Cedar Rapids Economic
Ray’s, Hy-Vee, the community-led relief center,
Development Specialist, who helped
and Operation BBQ Relief, which served over
coordinate food sites and distribution.
70,000 meals in Cedar Rapids. Other work was happening that you likely have not heard about.
Thank you to WCK and these local restaurants for serving a crucial role in fulfilling the food
Kevin O’Brian, local McDonalds franchise owner,
needs of the community while power was
quickly mobilized five different stores to provide
being restored. Thank you to the food delivery
over 1000 double cheeseburgers and apple pies
drivers with box trucks who donated their
to residents in need. Kevin also donated and
time to help, the well over 100 volunteers
distributed over 1500 bottles of Gatorade and
who staffed the site; and thank you to every
soda in the Cedar Rapids City Hall parking lot
business, friend, and neighbor who stepped
for residents. Nate Kaeding, a local developer
up to help your community through this
and owner of Big Grove, set up a tent outside of
disaster.
St. Paul’s United Methodist Church and served over 500 lunches. Atlantic Bottling Company and Kum & Go donated pallets of beverages and water to distribute at multiple food sites. And
WORLD CENTRAL KITCHEN LOCAL PARTNERS:
the international organization, World Central
Aroma Pizza
Fong’s Pizza
La Reyna
Chilled Freezer Meals
KUWTJ Food Truck
Maria’s Tacos
Don Miguel
Panera
Relish
El Bajío
Caribbean Kitchen
Tacos Don Diego
La Cantina
Parlor City Pub
Dumpling Darling
O’s Grill
Brewhemia
One More Bite
Bricks Bar and Grill
Kitchen (WCK), teamed up with a number of local restaurants to provide over 10,000 meals throughout the community. Most of these meals were delivered directly to residents at apartment complexes and other areas of need. “It was impactful to see so many people and organizations stepping up to help, and non-
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NOVEMBER 2020
