You Can Continue To Support Your Local Economy During Coronavirus. Here's How

The outcomes of recent closures, cancellations, and postponements due to the coronavirus are leaving local businesses and artists in a bind. As you consider how you can help, here are a few of the safe ways to continue to support your local economy during this time.

Continue your local shopping online.
Many local businesses and organizations, like Cambridge Naturals, have e-commerce sites and are offering same-day delivery for several items, including cleaning products. Make contributions and purchase merchandise from them online.

Watch live streams, take virtual classes and tours, and consider making donations.
While events and local workshops continue to postpone, most are seeking alternative ways to deliver those experiences and are turning to online streaming. The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum has a great virtual tour, and Metrowest Kung Fu, a martial arts center in Maynard, is streaming Tai Chi and Kung Fu classes on Facebook. Engage with them online and consider donating to those organizations to show your support.

Explore the electronic resources at your local library.
Several local libraries have online resources that are free to the public. The Minuteman Library Network, an association that services over 40 libraries in the Metrowest area, has an online platform filled with digital magazines, audiobooks, music, and films that members can access from their computers at home.

And use the additional services that many have added during this time.
The Morse Institute Library in Natick is adapting a curbside pickup service where you order books online and go to the library to pick them up where they are delivered directly to your car.

Contribute to the Boston Music Maker Relief fund.
The Record Co., a non-profit music-maker organization that provides access to resources for local artists, established a fund to assist with financial relief for those experiencing lost income related to COVID-19. Anyone can contribute, and 100% of the money goes directly to the artists.

Or make financial contributions directly to the artists.
Most local artists sell merchandise and have Venmo and Paypal accounts set up for your financial support. Check out their websites and social media channels for more information. You can also donate ticket refunds directly to the artists impacted by canceled shows.

Seek out local boosters to join and financially support them.
Some area libraries, theaters, museums, and other cultural organizations have local boosters; groups dedicated to supporting their programs and well-being. They do fundraising and raise awareness to help expand programs and services. Show your support by pledging your time and/or money to help out.

Delivery or takeout? Tip for two.
Many local restaurants are offering extended takeout, contact-free delivery, and at-the-door services, now that patrons are encouraged to dine away from the crowds. Follow the hashtag #dineinoroutboston on Instagram for real-time updates from the restaurants, and when ordering, consider upping your tip to help displaced service workers with lost income.

Buy gift cards.
Now may not be the right time to visit your favorite local restaurants, novelty shops, theaters, or other organizations, but buying a gift card to spent at a later date shows your continued support and keeps a revenue stream flowing to those establishments.

Visit websites and social media channels for information.
Right now, local organizations and artists are using these platforms to communicate. Regularly visit their websites and social media channels for updates and to learn more about how you can directly show your support for them.