The order to close businesses in Arkansas has left many of us asking how we can best support small businesses during this crisis. If you can financially do so, please consider going out of your way to support locally-owned Siloam Springs-Crawford County businesses and organizations right now. Here are seven ideas on how to do that:
1. Order takeout
Bars and restaurants have been ordered closed, but many are finding ways to offer takeout. Some are even offering delivery services for the first time. Call your favorite local restaurants or visit their Facebook pages to find out what alternatives they're offering customers. Here is a list I've compiled of local restaurants that are providing family meal to go.
- Let's Eat in Alma https://www.facebook.com/almaletseat/ (Alma)
- Callahan's Steak House www.callahanssteakhouse.com (Siloam Springs)
- Matador Mexican Bar and Grill https://www.elmatadormexicangrillandbar.com/ (Siloam Springs)
- Cathy's Corner https://www.facebook.com/cathys-corner-175961485739/ (Siloam Springs)
2. Change your habits
You might only grocery shop at Wegmans or Wal-Mart typically. But those large businesses have more resources to help employees and stay in business throughout this crisis. Instead, think about stopping at places like locally owned. Harps and Dollar General have been an amazing alternative for me to find things recently. Hart's Family center Inc. is a great family owned supermarket that has stock and essential items and located in Siloam Springs.
3. Plan ahead
Have a birthday party to plan for later this year? Reserve a location or entertainer now. That support -- and a down payment! -- will give small business owners a boost during a scary time for them.
- Lokomotion https://www.lokomotion.com/ (Fayetteville)
- Scott Family Amazeum https://g.co/kgs1A862M (Bentonville)
- City of Siloam Springs Community Building https://g.co/kgs/TquhZc (Siloam Springs)
4. Make summer camp plans
It might be hard to picture right now, given the situation, but summer is just a few months away. Now is the time to plan for summer for your kids. Then reserve those spots for camps now. Businesses and organizations will appreciate that support!
- Turpentine Creed Wildlife Refuge www.turpentinecreek.org/kidscamp/ (Eureka Springs)
- Camp War Eagle https://campwareagle.org/ (Rogers)
- Camp Siloam https://g.co/kgs//WWswNy (Siloam Springs)
5. Buy Take Home Kits
Many businesses are jumping on board right now and putting together take home kits for the kids to enjoy at home . That will give them money to keep their company going and entertainment for your little ones. Henzie's Art Studio is providing many different options of ark kits. https://www.facebook.com/henzieartstudio/
6. Don't ask for your money back
Extracurriculars canceled? Gyms closed? Daycare shuttered? Consider asking for makeup classes or time rather than asking for your money back. They need every penny you can afford to offer right now to stay solvent and pay employees.
7. Donate to Local Food Pantries
While many secondhand stores are not accepting donations or consignment currently because of the coronavirus, places like Little Free Pantry are helping families suffering financially during this crisis -- like laid off restaurant workers, retail employees, and others. You can make cash donations online. Here is a small list of some food pantries that might just save someone else during this crisis.
- Little Free Pantry/ Located at 617 N. Mt. Olive behind Grace Episcopal Church (Siloam Springs)
- Flint Street Fellowship/Located at 33 N Main St. (Eureka Springs)
