GR COMMUNITY

Community Coming Together

(BUT NOT CLOSER THAN 6 FEET)

Amidst the changes that COVID-19 brought into the lives of Grand Rapidians, these trying times demonstrated just how strong and community-driven West Michigan is. The way the community came together to help one another is just another reason why Grand Rapids is truly such a wonderful place to live. The culture of philanthropy and giving back has been a light, and although many of us practiced social distancing, in a way it’s brought the community close together. Here is a list of just some of the things Michiganders did to make a difference and share positivity.

COMING TOGETHER For the Unemployed and Those in Need of Food Assistance

As one of the hardest hit industries, many hospitality and service industry employees found themselves jobless. While many school districts have been delivering food via school bus routes and designated pick-up areas for children in need, many other food assistance programs have been implemented throughout Grand Rapids to help people struggling to keep food on the table during these trying times.

Garage Bar and Grill: This local restaurant pledged to give away 100 meals per day to people who were out of work as a result of the coronavirus response. The original goal was to donate 3,000 free meals, but in extending the giveaway, they planned to donate 1,500 more meals. Not only did the initiative help feed the community, it also kept Garage Bar and Grill employees working. Pioneer Construction, Custer Office, Mercantile Bank, and Car City are some of the sponsors that helped make this possible.

Grand Rapids Service Industry Network Donations: Jake Prell, a longtime piano player for Mojo’s dueling piano bar, found himself out of a job like many others. Given the circumstances, Prell decided to use his time to organize a network of food donations. Several restaurants in the area pitched in and donated food and time to contribute to the cause. The volunteers worked out of Flanagan’s Irish Pub, where they repackaged and distributed the food. With the outpouring of support, the network provided over 200 families with food!

$10 for 40 Challenge: Wood TV 8 and Feeding America West Michigan teamed up to launch an online fundraising campaign to get people the food they need. Every $10 donated provided 40 meals worth of food.

Uccello’s Heart of Hospitality: The East Beltline location of Uccello’s provided free meals in a drive-through style in their parking lot. Aimed at helping those in the service industry that have been impacted, this event lifted spirits and fed members of the community.

Mobile Food Pantries: Feeding America West Michigan, which provides food and groceries to people in need and added extra Mobile Pantries to account for the increase in struggling households in West Michigan. The mobile pantries have been operating in a drive-through format, and they plan to continue this until people can go back to work.

Photo Via: Uccello’s Ristorante Facebook

Photo Via: Feeding America West Michigan Facebook

COMING TOGETHER To Help Protect Medical Professionals

Given the limited supply for personal protection equipment and other medical supplies, business and individuals took the challenge upon themselves and engineered ways to help fill the demand. People got creative and sewed masks to donate, while local businesses shifted their normal production to cater to demands. People and companies alike banded together to do what they could in these unprecedented times.

Advanced Oral Surgery: A local dentist answered the call from medical workers who needed more protective masks. The dentist organized a donation day where spas, construction workers, painters, and other businesses contributed their unneeded supplies to be donated. Together, they were able to donate 180,000 gloves, 16,000 masks, many gowns, and gallons of disinfectants and sterilization wipes.

Eastern Kille Distillery: In collaboration with Coyote Logistics, this distillery quickly shifted from manufacturing spirits to producing hand sanitizer to address the nation’s growing shortage. Over 2000 bottles of hand sanitizer were shipped to truck drivers around the country.

Die Tech and Engineering: The Wyoming-based manufacturing company’s team of engineers kicked things into high gear as they began developing and producing parts for life-saving ventilators. Although they had never created something like this, they have been adaptable and eager to help—a theme consistent throughout West Michigan.

Steelcase: Steelcase worked with Spectrum Health’s vice president of surgical services to create a protective shield to protect hospital visitors from the virus. Within a matter of hours, Steelcase had designs ready to be manufactured, and 50 screens were made just a few days after.

Grand Valley State University: Given that classes were suspended for the rest of the semester, the Science programs at Grand Valley State University were able to donate 90,000 gloves to Spectrum Health.

The Sassy Olive: A West Michigan boutique shifted gears to make homemade masks to donate. They were able to make 200- 250 masks a day!

MIX East Grand Rapids: As part of MIX’s Pay it Forward campaign to support those on the frontlines, the health-oriented juice bar has delivered several rounds their immunity boosting teas and shakes to medical professionals in Grand Rapids free of charge.

Photo Via: WZZM 13

Photo Via: Coyote Logistics

COMING TOGETHER To Create Hope & Happiness During Quarantine

As many of us transitioned to life in quarantine, maintaining normalcy proved to be difficult at times. Technology provided tools to help businesses and organizations adapt to sharing through online platforms. Many neighborhoods organized themed window decorations to spread joy and help keep the community in good spirits. While the uncertainty can feel overwhelming, it is nice to know that the community spirit of Grand Rapids endures.

Funky Buddha: For yoga lovers, Funky Buddha live streamed yoga classes daily for all to watch. The best part—they made the classes available to everyone, not just their members!

The Rainbow Hunt: Throughout Muskegon, people made pictures of rainbows and hung them in windows to share cheer with their neighborhoods. This also promoted physical activity, as people were encouraged to go for walks to see all the rainbow creations.

Grand Rapids Children’s Museum: Each day, the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum posted a different activity for children to try while away from school. There was a different theme associated with each day of the week, and the activities revolved around education and being active. This has been a wonderful resource for bored children and parents that didn’t know what to do with them!

Hudsonville Schools: Teachers paraded through their students’ neighborhoods in their cars to brighten up their days.

Local Spins: For the local music connoisseurs, Local Spins live-streamed music performances on their website—a great way to enjoy the music scene and support local artists while adhering to social distancing guidelines.

Be Nice Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan: A new podcast aimed at discussing how to navigate mental health during quarantine was started by the Be Nice Foundation. Each Wednesday, a new episode is published that addresses the impact the outbreak may have on you or your loved one’s mental health.

MediLodge Nursing Home: In Grand Haven, volunteers took their dogs parading through the courtyard of MediLodge Nursing Home. Since human visitors weren’t allowed to enter the building, it brightened the senior residents’ days to see all the dogs through their windows!

Photo Via: FOX 17

Photo Via: Grand Haven Tribune