5 Ways to Support Your Community

If there’s one thing everyone has learned these past few months, it’s that taking time to focus on family and community is an important part of leading a balanced life. We are often so busy with the millions of items on our to-do lists that sometimes taking a breath and prioritizing what really matters is all we need to feel truly connected.

When living in a close-knit community like Bascom (or other towns in Seneca County, Ohio), you realize during a time like this that “supporting local” means so much more than just contributing to economic empowerment. Choosing to do business with local small businesses means supporting your friends, their families, and the future of everyone in the community.

As we continue moving forward and making steps toward reopening America, there are still many things you can do to help support the community, whether it be choosing to support a local business or to connect with a person who you know could use encouragement.

Send Someone a Letter

When you were a child, did you ever receive “snail mail” from your family or friends around your birthday or other holidays? If so, you probably recall the excitement you felt checking the mailbox for that much-anticipated card.Why not recreate that excitement of receiving a physical letter by starting a pen pal chain with your friends and family?A quick note that lets someone know you’re thinking of them could be the highlight of their day.

Order Food To-Go

At this point, eating homemade food has gotten incredibly boring… especially if your specialties consist of grilled cheese sandwiches and Kraft mac n’ cheese. While it may seem like a no-brainer, ordering food to-go from your favorite local restaurant makes more impact than you may realize. Picking up the phone and ordering a delicious meal is a great way to lift your spirits and keep a local business alive.

Send a virtual tip to a local musician

If anyone in your social circle is in the entertainment business, you know how hard it has been for many of them to maintain their audience, and their income, during these past few months. Local musicians have been hosting live video streams through Facebook and Instagram to make each day a little brighter. If you’re looking to support these musicians and performers, contact them about virtual “tip jars” they may have through PayPal. You never know – they may just play your favorite song to say thank you!

Engage with local businesses on social media

While many businesses in Ohio are starting to open for business once again – their limited capacity is still a challenge for maintaining a business. While we may not be able to support every local business in person, following them on social media, sharing their content, making an uplifting comment, or providing a 5-star review is a quick and meaningful way to support the community.

Host a drive-by parade

High school graduation is a little different this year, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find creative ways to celebrate the students in our community. Decorate a recent graduate’s door or front yard and host a drive-by parade at their house to show your support. And make sure to bring some noise makers to make the parade extra memorable!

What other ideas do you have for supporting the Bascom community? Visit our website here for more information about Bascom Communications and our work to uplift local businesses and community members.