Support the Locals

Tonight we ordered curbside pick-up from The Bowling Alley, our local Odebolt restaurant that is legendary for its amazing food and draws people from towns all around. They’ve shifted to offer curbside pick-up and delivery to several nearby towns to keep things going, as have countless restaurants across the country. When we went in to pick up the food, the counter was lined with tickets from orders coming in, and it felt good to see the local community pouring in their support.

Our current situation has reminded us all just how vital our local businesses are to our communities. These are the businesses who have gone above and beyond for all of us over the years — the ones who have donated to our clubs, events, and organizations — and now more than ever it’s time to return the favor and show our support. I want to share a few stories of community support to inspire hope - and to inspire other communities to do the same.

BURLINGTON, IOWA

There’s a movement rising up in Burlington, Iowa this week to rally around local small businesses. Following the lead of Standard of Beaverdale and Midwest Vinyl, companies like accounting firm Menke & Company are giving every employee cash on Fridays to pour into local businesses. If those employees turn in receipts after the weekend from a local restaurant or business where they spent the money (through things like curbside pickup or online shopping), they will get more money each week until all the local businesses are fully open again. The company is also ordering in lunch for their staff each day from a local eatery.

CLEAR LAKE, IOWA

In Clear Lake, Iowa, the Chamber of Commerce is working with local businesses and chamber members to provide an added value to gift card purchases. The incentive allows you to purchase a $20 gift card to your favorite local business and receive $30 to spend in return. The extra $10 is covered by these community-minded Chamber members (who we are absolutely going to give a shout out for their generosity): Atura Architecture, Clear Lake Bank & Trust, CL Tel, First Gabrielson Agency, The Funky Zebras, MBT Bank, and Pritchard's Lake Chevrolet. The 640 gift cards available sold out in 12 minutes!

ADEL, IOWA

Through a community effort, several local restaurants are offering free kids’ meals (and one is also offering senior meals) that have been pre-paid by community members. Locals can call in to these restaurants with a donation to pre-pay for kids’ meals, and families in need can simply call the restaurant and request the meals. Donors are encouraged to consider adding in a tip. The local school is sharing this information through an email to district families and through a community Facebook page to help spread the word and make sure hungry kids in the area have a warm meal.

Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.

— Theodore Roosevelt

I know your small towns are full of these stories, too — and I hope you’ll share those stories with me by sending an email or DM, or using #supportthelocals in your social media posts. The quarantine has resulted in a lot of temporary changes, but supporting the locals is one of those temporary changes that I hope we adapt and carry on long after we rise up out of this unprecedented time. Let’s make supporting the locals more than just a band aid during a crisis, let’s make it a lifestyle.

>> Danna Larson, Rural Revival Founder

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A quick update: As of now, I’ve cancelled all of my travel for the forseeable future and I’ll be camped out at the farm for the next few weeks (at least). I’m so grateful to be surrounded by family in a place that has built in social distancing and where life can, for the most part, go on as normal (but with way more hand washing and way less socializing). Along with your stories, I’ll be sharing some adventures on the farm, and also posting here and on social media to keep you inspired and encouraged. Stay safe, everyone, and let me know how I can help. I’m cheering you on!