We are a family business and we support each other and our community. It is that support and love that comes out the most during times like these and it’s what will carry us through this.
Take care of each other, check on your neighbor, be smart, be careful, enjoy some extra unexpected family time, and be sure not to forget to practice self-care.
Below are some local resources to help lend a hand to others in our community during this trying time. Please share, and let us know if we're missing anything! We are all in this together.
Support Local Businesses
Over the coming weeks and months, our favorite restaurants, hotels, shops, salons, theaters, markets and other hardworking WNC businesses are going to see a decline in visitors.
But we can help in other ways: ordering food to go, shopping online, tipping well, and most importantly…buying gift cards TODAY for use at a later date. Gift cards equal immediate cash flow. And cash flow is the lifeblood of our local businesses.
#AshevilleStrong is a movement to buy local gift cards now in Asheville and WNC.
Please help us spread the word and support the businesses you love by purchasing a gift card and sharing the movement on social media.
How to Virtually Experience Asheville from www.exploreasheville.com:
In the true spirit of Asheville, the people in our community have developed creative and inspiring ways to offer relaxation, support and services at this unprecedented time. Those efforts include everything from free online yoga/meditation videos to help you find your zen to a web site offering a way to purchase gift cards to provide immediate support to the people who power beloved Asheville small businesses.
Here’s a look at ways that you can virtually connect and experience Asheville.
Quarantine Concert Series
Asheville's musicians want to brighten your spirits with online, live performances every evening from 7-8:30 p.m. The shows are brought to you by The Orange Peel and IAMAVL, an Asheville company that provides high-quality video and audio streaming for musicians.
You can live stream video of the shows on IAMAVL's website or the IAMAVL Facebook page. You can tip the performers while you watch -- IAMAVL posts information on how with each show. And, you can donate at any time through the Musician Relief Fund.
From www.iamavl.com/musician-relief-fund/:
Dear music loving family,
We at IamAvl have always prided ourselves on being a tool for artists to gain further exposure, and play what part we can to help push them to the next level in their careers. Now, with gigs, festivals and events being cancelled, the music making community needs your support more than ever. If you are enjoying the content on our website, please consider making a donation by clicking the button above. Make sure to include in the note the name of the artist you would like the donation to go to, and we’ll make sure to get it to them.
From all of us at IamAVL, and from all of the bands you enjoy here – thank you for your support!
Photo by Jaredd Craig on Unsplash
From Malaprops.com:
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
In accordance with the most recent guidelines limiting gathering to mitigate the spread of Covid-19, Malaprop's is closed to the public. However, we are not discontinuing our service to you. We are exploring new subscription services, delivery options, and digital content. Please stay tuned for updates on these plans and other changes as we, like you, are adjusting day by day.
Meanwhile, here’s how we’ll be operating:
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As always, you can order online 24/7 at malaprops.com. You can also call us at 828-254-6734 between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. daily to order by phone. Yes, we can make suggestions!
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All orders will require prepayment. We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express and Paypal.
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FREE shipping via media mail is available for orders over $50.00 (before tax) sent to addresses in the continental United States. Other orders ship via Priority Mail or other services with prices listed at checkout.
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FREE curbside pickup is available between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. daily. For web orders, please wait until we email you to let you know your order is ready before driving over. Then give us a call about 5 minutes before you arrive or when you're parked out front.
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FREE delivery in Downtown Asheville will be available between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. daily. Give us your downtown address and request downtown delivery when you order. We’ll walk it over!
We want to thank you again for your continued support, especially at this time as we curtail operations and cut hours for staff. If you're looking for other ways to support our staff, you can donate to the Book Industry Charitable Foundation (BINC), which provides grants to booksellers in times of need. To support other local businesses, visit ashevillestrong.com.
We are concerned for you, just as we are concerned for our staff. Please take care of yourselves and each other!
Photo by Lena Rose on Unsplash
From Pastimes Comics and Games:
"I assure you we're open!" As of right now we have all your ESSENTIAL needs for the quarantine. We have the best selection of comic books, graphic novels, and collectibles in stock here at PASTIMES COMICS AND GAMES. Come check us out or give us a call. Our hours are Monday-Saturday 11-7 and Sunday 12-5. If you like, we can ship. See or talk to you soon!
From Orbit DVD:
Alright heads up. We will be open from 11am to sunset until Friday. After that we will be locking our doors but will be OPEN the same hours for credit card transactions over the phone or the secured card on your account for curbside service. We are still receiving product: video games to boutique labels like Scream and Arrow so we can still hook you up!
More Resources Gathered by AVL Today:
Community Resources
Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash
• The Asheville Independent Restaurant Association (AIR) has compiled a list of area restaurants offering takeout and delivery services — as well as those offering free meals for needy kids. Check it out here, and message them if you want to be added.
Photo by Nathan Lemon on Unsplash
• The YWCA of Asheville and WNC is partnering with MANNA FoodBank to provide meals for people in need, and they’re looking for healthy volunteers who are not in at-risk populations today and on Mar. 26 to help pack food. Prospective volunteers should fill out this form or email Amanda Durst. You can also donate to the YWCA’s relief fund.
• Local restaurants — including White Duck Taco, Baked Pie Company, Strada Italiano + Sand Hill Kitchen — are offering free food for school children. Find out more here.
• The Asheville Citizen-Times has lifted their paywalls for important COVID-19 coverage.
• U-Haul is offering 30 days of free self-storage to college students who have been impacted by schedule changes. Find the location nearest you here.
Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash
• The Small Business Administration is offering low-interest disaster loans for eligible small businesses to help mitigate losses due to the pandemic.
• Now through April 12, Haywood Street Congregation is making changes to their services. Beginning Mar. 18, Downtown Welcome Table will serve to-go style lunches on Wednesdays and Saturdays (beginning Mar. 28) and breakfast on Sundays (beginning Mar. 22). Stay up to date by signing up for their newsletter or following their social media.
• AVL Ride is making its drivers available to run errands or do shopping, and services are available to the community at a discounted rate. Click here for details on pricing and more.
• Virtual Days for Buncombe County Schools’ students begin Mar. 18. These days continue students’ learning while campuses are closed. See here for breakfast + lunch service options.
Photo by Elias Castillo on Unsplash
• Brother Wolf, along with The Humane Society of the United States and The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement, are encouraging folks with pets to create a plan for how to ensure their pet is cared for should they become sick or hospitalized.
• Asheville City Schools will send students a letter in the mail to brighten their day during school closure. Email ashley.thublin@acsgmail.net to arrange for your child to receive a letter.
• Service industry professionals needing extra assistance due to COVID-19 can check out USBG National Charity Foundation.
• Asheville Water Resources will suspend all water disconnections due to non-payment of City of Asheville combined utility bills. For more info, call (828) 251-1122.
• Duke Energy is suspending disconnects for nonpayment for home + business accounts.