On the Bright Side
Amid all the uncertainty, tough decisions, and social adjustments comes the opportunity to show what our community is made of. I’ve always known that the McPherson community is AMAZING, and through this challenging time, I am reminded why.
Community organizations are being pro-active in finding resources and avenues to help others, like the USD 418 food program that has established a walk up or drive thru meal service for families to receive lunch and breakfast for children ages 1- 18. The McPherson County Community Foundation is collaborating to provide weekend bags of nutritional food for families and has a COVID 19 Response Fund in place to help schools and organization provide resources and funds to our county residents.
Our educators have made “We (heart) You” messages on the school fence. The McPherson Library is doing virtual story time, and I’ve heard that there are some super enthusiastic teachers in McPherson who are responsible for the parade of cars that were giving out “air hugs.” Thanks to technology, senior living communities have arranged for video chats to keep loved ones connected with their families, and the McPherson Family YMCA is offering virtual YMCA to their members to exercise wherever they are.
I respect the business owners who are making difficult decisions, trying to support their staff while keeping our community safe. Kudo’s for coming up with creative ways to showcase your products, offer curbside pick-up or doing what you can to help others. Did you know that Twice Told Tales has a Free Book Cart available until the Library reopens?
Businesses need your support, so purchase gift cards to be used later, call in to-go orders, write a positive Google review for local businesses, do whatever you can. We’ve got this! I recently spoke to a business owner who was concerned about business expenses, yet in the next breath wanted to know how to donate to feed the kids in our community. That’s what I am talking about!
I am grateful for the technology that allows many to work from home, and I am grateful for the medical professionals, the truckers, the grocery store clerks and everyone who is working to make life better. I am also appreciative of Swindoll Janzen Hawk and Loyd who are sharing their talents to help business owners by connecting them with a Coach, free of charge.
The McPherson Chamber continues to help publicize important community information though our Chamber e-newsletter and Facebook. We are researching funding options and connecting businesses with helpful financial resources, and we will continue to do whatever we can to make a difference, to find the good, to impact the future in a positive way.
To the McPherson Community and the absolutely incredible and amazing people, we want you to know that you are appreciated. Thanks for stepping up and showing by your example that the McPherson community is awesome and our future will be bright!