North Loopers Giving Back
Even as they worry about their own health and livelihoods, several people in the North Loop are stepping up to help others. Below are a few examples.
Computers For Kids
Scott Woller, owner of Corner Coffee and pastor of Corner Church, is asking for computer donations to help families needing them for home schooling. So far, he’s been able to connect a few families with donations, but if you have a computer to offer—or you’re in need of one, write to scott@cornerchurch.tv.
He’s also doing video conference calls with prayer time to help people dealing with isolation and anxiety.
Food For First Responders
As his Thigh Times Birdhouse restaurant sits idle at North Loop Galley, owner Jared Brewington teamed up with Hennepin County’s chief public defender, Mary Moriarty, to take food to Hennepin County Sheriff Dave Hutchinson, Minneapolis Chief Medaria Arradondo and other officers. Brewington, Arradondo and Moriarty serve on the board of YouthLink which helps teens experiencing homelessness.
Chief Arradondo, Jared Brewington, Sheriff Hutchinson
“The intense time and effort that (first responders) contribute in order to be prepared to keep us safe (while we are all learning about this public health and economic crisis at the same time) shouldn’t go unnoticed or unappreciated,” Brewington said. “The leadership and poise that they have demonstrated brings calm and vital information during anxious times. And for that, a little feast was in order! We may be hurting in our industry, but our hearts have pride and thanks for effective leadership in times of crisis.”
Sweat Minnesota
With fitness centers shut down across the state, several North Loop residents, including Dawn Bryant, Liz Krueger, Holly Janiszewski (owner of Holly J Fitness) and Dr. Taylor Meyers (co-owner of Core Lifestyle clinic) joined with other health and fitness professionals in creating a new website. “Sweat Minnesota is an easy way for others to find wellness, whether it’s a virtual workout or online therapy,” said Janiszewski, whose husband, Joe, is also providing help with the site.
Fighting Hunger
Askov Finlayson has partnered with Second Harvest Heartland, selling t-shirts online with proceeds to help feed the hungry and keep restaurant workers employed. Second Harvest just launched Minnesota Central Kitchen to distribute prepared meals to neighbors in need, with the help of local restaurants including Bachelor Farmer in the North Loop. City Pages wrote an article about it.
Supporting Restaurant Staff
Bachelor Farmer is among the restaurants supporting Minnesota Central Kitchen, which is on its way to producing 30,000 meals a week for those experiencing hunger. In turn, the effort generates donations to provide wages for hospitality staff during the current restrictions on restaurants and bars.
Blood Donations
A few of you have asked where to donate blood during this time of extreme need. The closest donation point for the Memorial Blood Centers is in downtown Minneapolis at 706 2nd Avenue South #137 (Baker Center). Check their website or call 888-448-3253 for more information.