Even in the midst of COVID-19, the Northwest Arkansas community is finding ways to put compassion in action
This is a continuation of our blog series (find part one HERE) focusing on how NW Arkansas is showing its resilient and generous spirit. (Updated on April 2)
1. Feel Good Flowers
In partnership with Meals on Wheels and the Fayetteville Senior Center, ZuZu’s Petals began a program sending flowers to seniors quarantined at home. In addition to donating 20 arrangements to the cause on March 18, 2020, ZuZu’s has created a way for customers to gift an arrangement. Learn more HERE. (Source: KNWA)
“There’s just so much science behind flowers and how they can bring you hope and happiness and they have actually done studies with senior citizens and flowers and the results were incredible” – Cindy Stevenson, Owner
Also, JM Designs in Bentonville has pledged to deliver flowers to area hospitals, first responders, police departments, nursing homes, grocery store employees, basically anyone that could use a little boost! (Source: Facebook)
2. COVID-19 Mask Maker Challenge
@nwagirlgang
Earlier this month, the Arkansas Arts & Fashion Forum issued a Mask Maker Challenge for healthcare workers, due to critical shortages brought on by the coronavirus pandemic. In less than a week after issuing the challenge, volunteer mask makers have committed to creating over 1,000 masks and AAFF dropped off their first round to clinics in the area. Learn more HERE. (Source: Facebook)
Northwest Arkansas-based headband company, Junk Brands, has also switched some of their operations over to designing masks donations for personnel serving on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Healthcare workers can submit a donation request HERE.
3. Sanitizer Initiative
In light of the sanitizer shortage, Fox Trail Distillery has been producing a hand and surface sanitizer with alcohol distilled at their facility which is being made available, free of charge, in their retail store on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 4pm – 9pm. (Limit one per visitor)
They encourage all in need to bring their own container (equal to or less than 16 oz) and to please keep in mind, day to day supply is limited and demand is high.
Due to an extremely high volume of calls, messages and emails, they ask that you please refer to their social media pages for information regarding this initiative.
For organizations and agencies in need of bulk supply, please direct inquiries to contact@foxtraildistillery.com and they will respond as soon as possible. (Source: Facebook)
4. Meals for Musicians
The organizers for the Fayetteville Roots Festival in partnership with Tyson Foods, Ozark Beer Co., and the Pack Shack, are providing meals for local musicians impacted by COVID-19. The meals are being made for pick-up on April 2-3 at Roots HQ in downtown Fayetteville. (Source: Fayetteville Flyer)
5. Catered Meals for Healthcare and Musician’s Relief Fund
The Arkansas Philharmonic Orchestra is working with their catering partners to feed our local health care workers. For the next several weeks, you can make a tax deductible donation of $9 per meal and APO will have them delivered by professionally trained catering partners.
APO is also collecting funds for their musicians who rely heavily on gigging. If you can help, they will be providing mini-grants of up to $300 per musician. Learn more HERE.
6. Free Mental Health Therapy
Wellness and Courage health clinic in Fayetteville is offering group sessions for those in the community who are uninsured health care workers or who have lost their jobs due to COVID-19. The weekly therapy sessions will be online or over the phone. To sign up call 479-316-7770 or email wendy@wellnessandcourage.com or jamy@wellnessandcourage.com. (Source: KNWA)
Want more? Check out part one HERE.
This series drew some inspiration from the following local initiatives:
B-Unlimited designed this NWA Strong T-Shirt to allow our community to remember the strength and perseverance they have shown through this uncertain time. Together, we are stronger.
B-Unlimited is donating 20% of sales from these t-shirts to the NWA Food Bank to directly support the Northwest Arkansas community including families & children affected by school closings and lost meals. You can purchase one HERE.
Update: As of Thursday, March 26, B-Unlimited has raised enough to donate 30,000 meals!
On April 2, Northwest Arkansas will come together with hundreds of nonprofits for 12 hours of epic giving. As those on the frontlines face this crisis head-on, financial support for their efforts couldn’t be more critical. Let’s meet the needs of Northwest Arkansas, together! Learn more HERE.
