As a firm, we believe in supporting a local business model in part because we believe strong and sustainable partnerships are best forged when we live and work in the same communities as our clients. Being positive, active members of our community also means giving back. Our client relationships aren’t just business, they are personal connections we cultivate. We celebrate our shared successes and take on the next day’s challenge together.
Today’s challenge is uncertainty. During this time, there are some steps you can take to help those around you, while abiding by the proper social distancing guidelines provided by local state and federal agencies.
Together, we can all help to make a difference for our neighbors in need. Here is a list of resources gathered by our Uplift team based on Propeller’s geographic locations in Oregon, California and Colorado. Don’t see your city or state listed? Please visit the Feeding America website for a quick search to find a local food bank in your area.
# Free Meals During School Closure
Some school districts are providing grab-and-go meals for students at various dates and locations.
Portland Public Schools - March 17-20 and March 30-31, 11AM-1PM
Beaverton School District Nutrition Services - March 16-20 and March 30-31, 11 AM-12 PM
San Francisco Unified School District - Various dates and times
Denver Public School District - Various dates and times
Santa Clara Unified School District - Various dates and times
San Jose UnifSan Jose Unified School Districted School District - Various dates and times
Bay Area Schools - Various dates and times
# Donate or Volunteer at Local Charities
Local charities need donations and volunteers to adapt to changing and complex food distribution and support needs. They have also taken social distancing into account and made operational changes to minimize risks to volunteers.
# Support National Organizations
Feeding America supports food banks across the country to help low-income families during school closures
Meals on Wheels supports the elderly community, who are at greater risk especially with extended social distancing
American Red Cross has cancelled blood drives, so donate blood if you are able and have a site near your home
# How to Support Small Businesses
Local businesses will most likely struggle during this time of social distancing and lack of patronage or an inability to host regular fundraising events. Consider buying gift certificates from small businesses to help keep them in business with the economic hit.
Here are some other practical tips to support local businesses:
- Order food to-go or consider delivery
- Focus on purchasing local produce
- Buy products now you plan to enjoy later
- Purchase gift cards for later use
- Avoid purchasing more than you need
Those in the service industry may have less flexibility – consider tipping well if you step out to eat.
Small Business Administration Providing Loans for Small Businesses Impacted by Coronavirus
# Support your Community
Check in with friends, family, and neighbors - for those in your community who may have a compromised immune systems or are at a higher risk, including older adults or those with chronic medical conditions, consider helping out with the basics like grocery shopping, supporting child care, or helping out with other errands.
# Sick Leave, Business Closures, Layoffs, and Unemployment Resources
State of Oregon Employment Department
State of California Employment Development Department
State of Colorado Department of Labor and Employment
# General Information
Reliable sources for information, best-practices and policy changes.
Fly Denver Coronavirus Updates
Fly San Jose Coronavirus Updates
California Department of Public Health
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
# About Uplift
At Propeller, giving back to the community is a meaningful part of our culture. Through our Propeller Uplift program, we leverage the business acumen of our consultants to support the needs of nonprofit partner organizations. Our goal is to make a lasting impact and uplift organizations through strategy, professional development, or direct service.
Serving our local communities has been a focus since Propeller started in 2012. What started as a small group of enthusiastic founding members with a vision for our firm’s community involvement has evolved into an established and award-winning team across our Portland and Bay Area offices.
