Lately, we’ve been talking about how you can support local businesses. However, there are also businesses across Spokane that are stepping up in support of our community. We wanted to share with you some of the ways our community has pulled together against COVID-19.
These local businesses have chosen to go the extra mile in order to help those effected by current events.
Dry Fly Distilling Company
Dry Fly Distilling company was one of the first to rise to the challenge. Earlier in march, the distillery got federal approval to produce hand sanitizer. It turns out one of the main ingredients in hand sanitizer is Vodka. The distillery is using their knowledge of Vodka to produce what they are calling Spokanitizer.
Hand Sanitizer for Local Medical Facilities
The company began distributing hand Sanitizer to medical facilities and first responders first. They have provided hand sanitizer to numerous first responders, hospitals, nursing homes, and medical facilities across our community.
Spokanitizer Available to the Public
On March 23rd, Dry Fly also made Spokanitizer available to the public. They have been distributing individual spray bottles to the public via drive-through at their location on 1003 E Trent. The company has been distributing to high-risk individuals and essential businesses first and then to the general public.
If you want to find out how you can get some free Spokanitizer for yourself, check out Dry Fly’s Facebook page for updates.
Donut Parade – Community Pulls Together Against COVID-19
Another local business that has been stepping up is the local favorite, Donut Parade. Each day, Donut Parade is working to cheer people up by delivering donuts. They are providing free donuts for organizations and individuals on the front lines fighting COVID-19.
Donut Parade is getting the community involved in their venture as well. Community members can drop by to pick up a box of donuts to take to front line workers or charities. The business said this on their Facebook page,
“You do not have to purchase donuts from us in order to come get a box to give away. If you know someone that would have a better day with donuts, then come grab a box.”
Much like many other restaurants, Donut Parade is also offering takeout and delivery options for customers. If you live within 5 miles of the restaurant, you can order a Dozen donuts and get them delivered for Free. Check out their Facebook page for official details.
Churchill’s Steakhouse
Unlike many other restaurants in Spokane, Churchill’s closed their doors for the duration of the lockdown. Because of this, the restaurant’s staff of 45 has been laid off temporarily. However, the owner Bill Alles isn’t letting that stop him from making a difference. Alles has said he doesn’t want to see his employees struggle.
In response, he arranged for his executive chef and management staff to make meals and deliver them to employees. This week, the meal deliveries will be running Monday-Friday. Bill hopes to expand this even further in the future.
Interestingly, meal deliveries are not just limited to Churchill’s employees and their family members. Once the meal deliveries started, employees started mentioning other friends or family members that had been laid off in the restaurant industry. They asked if others in the industry could receive meal deliveries as well. Bill was happy to oblige. He plans to continue the meal deliveries throughout the Pandemic.
The employees of Churchill’s are thankful to have one thing, prepared meals, certain in a time of such great uncertainty.
Keytronic – Community Pulls Together against COVID-19
Another company that was quick to figure out how they could help with the COVID-19 situation is Keytronic. Keytronic is a manufacturing and engineering company based in Spokane Valley. Normally, the company would be manufacturing molded plastics or working with metal fabrication and finishing projects.
Now, Keytronics is investigating how they can transition their 5000 employees to make Ventilators. The company is working with Federal agencies to figure out if the transition is a possibility.
Spokane Public Schools
The last organization we want to highlight is one you probably already know about. However, we really appreciate what they are doing for our community. Spokane Public Schools is providing daily meal distribution for kids in our community.
Whether or not kids (ages 0-18) go to a Spokane Public school, they can receive meals. The meals are a breakfast and lunch combo. Families can pick up the meals at whichever distribution site is most convenient from 11am-1pm Monday through Friday.
Here are the distribution sites throughout the city:
Elementary distribution sites include:
- Arlington Elementary
- Balboa Elementary
- Finch Elementary
- Garfield Elementary
- Grant Elementary
- Holmes Elementary
- Hutton Elementary
- Lidgerwood Elementary
- Lincoln Heights Elementary
- Longfellow Elementary
- Moran Prairie Elementary
- Mullan Road Elementary
- Ridgeview Elementary
- Roosevelt Elementary
- Sheridan Elementary
- Stevens Elementary
Secondary distribution sites include:
- Shaw Middle
- Rogers High
- Shadle Park High
- Ferris High
Central Valley School District
Central Valley schools has also been offering meal distributions with a similar schedule. Families can pick up lunches at CV locations from 10am-1pm Monday through Friday. Here are the CVSD locations:
Locations: (Look for the CVSD school bus out front)
- Aspen Apartments – 15821 E. 4th Ave., Spokane Valley, WA 99037
- Bowdish Middle School – 2109 S. Skipworth Rd., Spokane Valley, WA 99206
- Broadway Elementary – 11016 E. Broadway Ave., Spokane Valley, WA 99206
- Evergreen Middle School – 14221 E. 16th, Spokane Valley, WA 99037
- Greenacres Elementary – 17915 E. 4th, Spokane Valley, WA 99016
- Liberty Creek Elementary – 2309 E. Country Vista Dr., Liberty Lake, WA 99019
- Opportunity Elementary – 1109 S. Wilbur Rd., Spokane Valley, WA 99206
- Pope Francis – 16412 E. Sprague Ave., Spokane Valley, WA 99016
- Progress Elementary – 710 N. Progress Rd., Spokane Valley, WA 99037
- Riverbend Elementary – 17720 E. Mission Ave., Spokane Valley, WA 99016
- Selkirk Middle School – 1409 N. Harvest Pkwy., Liberty Lake, WA 99016
- Summit School – 13313 E. Broadway Ave., Spokane Valley, WA 99216
- University Elementary – 1613 S University Rd, .Spokane Valley, WA 99206
- U High – 12420 E. 32nd, Spokane Valley, WA 99216
- Village Apartments – 9717 E. 6th, Spokane Valley, WA 99206
Other businesses pull together against COVID-19
Do you know of any other local businesses that are working to fight COVID-19? We love seeing out community step up. If you know of other businesses, please let us know in the comments.
