Across the globe, communities are banding together to show their support for local businesses during the coronavirus pandemic, and you can, too. The internet is full of inspiring stories of citizens who went above and beyond the call of duty. You can draw inspiration from their messages and come up with your own helpful ways to patron the businesses that are at the heart of your city, serving others during times of uncertainty. We've included ten ways you can support area businesses during the coronavirus pandemic below to serve as inspiration. #1: Take advantage of delivery services. DoorDash, UberEats, and Instacart are just a few of the delivery services available in communities of all sizes. Area grocers, pharmacies, and restaurants may offer their delivery services for a nominal fee. They may even be willing to deliver items to your porch without face-to-face interaction by accepting payment over the phone or online. #2: Do curbside pickup wherever it is available.Limit the amount of person-to-person contact you make while social distancing. If you're well enough to go outdoors, use curbside pickup whenever a business offers it. You can take your purchase and leave without exposing yourself to multiple people in the process. Retailers and restaurants are offering the service as an alternative to shopping indoors and dining in. #3: Purchase gift cards to use at a later date.You can even give them to other people in the area affected by the coronavirus. They may not be able to use the gift card until the future but will be appreciative of the gift just the same. It's easy to buy gift cards online, too, and printing them from your computer or picking them up curbside per the instruction of the business selling them. #4: Shop online if the option is available with a local business.You can give area businesses money by shopping them online. If they provide you with the option to purchase items from their website, you could always pick them up curbside. It's yet another way to keep businesses from closing but preventing you from coming into contact with many people. #5: Share posts about their business on social media, so others benefit from the interaction.Encourage others to support local businesses. Use your social media accounts and blogs to sing the praises of the people who are working around-the-clock to meet your needs. Dr. Phillips House knows how valuable social media can be as a tool. It takes seconds to create a post and ask others to share it on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Pinterest. #6: Be a generous tipper.Tips are integral to people's success. If you have someone deliver your groceries, meal, or medications, make sure to thank them by giving them a generous tip. It can encourage them to keep providing service and allow them to fill their gas tank or feed themselves for the time being. #7: Pay membership and subscription fees despite not being able to use the services.Canceling your service hurts businesses. Aim to get back to your routine just as soon as the threat of the virus has subsided. You'll benefit from the services that you once enjoyed before the pandemic broke out. Doing this ensures that the businesses that were deemed 'non-essential' can afford to open their doors again. #8: Buy lunch, dinner, or cups of coffee for first responders, nurses, or long-term care staff.Have it delivered to them instead of to you. It's a great way to give back to area businesses and recognize the people on the frontline in your community. A giant morale booster, it gives them the strength to keep doing what they do. First responders are the true heroes here. #9: Donate your services to a business that could benefit from them. If you do marketing, web design, or writing, perhaps you could help area businesses by giving them access to you and your talents. If you're a roofer, an electrician or even a musician, there are ways to turn your skills into something highly beneficial for the companies that remain open to serve the public. Rack your brain for ideas and run a couple of ideas by the business owners for approval. #10: Provide a cash donation if you can.Cash is king. If you want to ensure that your favorite businesses in the area thrive, consider donating on their behalf. It's something that Dr. Phillips House highly recommends because it allows them to use the money in the best way possible. Do Your Part to Help Area Businesses Thrive By Giving Them Your SupportWant to contribute but aren't sure how? Now you have ten ideas to choose from that allow you to support your local businesses in various ways. Empower yourself to help in whatever ways that you can. The companies dependent on your business for survival are appreciative of every act you do on their behalf.
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