March 15 all bars and restaurants in the State were ordered to close the following day with the exception of carry-out and delivery. That same week was filled with lines of cars outside of downtown restaurants waiting for carry-out orders, and hefty tips for restaurant staff members.
March 21 a stay-at-home order went into effect for Illinois. The next day, Aurorans came outside to write encouraging notes and create fun pictures with chalk. They left inspiring messages for passersby to read.
It didn’t take long for Aurora to pull together even in the confines of their homes. Other communities nearby likewise have been banding together during this uncertain time. That’s what we do. We care. We seek interaction.
Our Aurora community comes together to support and help one another. Unfortunately, If These Walls Could Talk and Pure Skin Solutions were required to close until the order is lifted. With many small businesses being shuttered during this time due to COVID-19 (coronavirus) precautions, here are ways that we can continue to support those who have invested in our community:
• Shop locally online. Favorite downtown Aurora stores are offering online buying options. Both Warehouse 55 and Wyckwood House have websites to view and purchase, or inquire about products. The Cotton Seed Creative Exchange has offered live markets through its Facebook page. Tredwell Coffee and Two Brothers Roundhouse sell gift cards through their websites.
• Please leave a review. Because we’re all at home, it’s a great time to spend a few minutes bolstering local businesses. By leaving a positive Yelp, Google, or Facebook review, you can give them a boost when they reopen. Share their social media pages with friends to build their audience.
• Buy ahead. Maybe you were waiting to renew a subscription to the Paramount Theatre’s Broadway Series, or you were holding out on getting an anniversary or birthday present. Now is the time to stock up. Sign up for classes at Paramount School of the Arts, and book some Summer school sessions at SciTech Hands On Museum.
• Donate. There’s no time like the present to help support local nonprofits and small businesses. Check out fundraisers through GoFundMe, including Tredwell Coffee and Aurora Pancake House. Donate to downtown theaters and museums.
We’ll all have to live virtually for a while, but our efforts as a community will help us to thrive as businesses start to reopen, and we once again can congregate together offline.
Marissa Amoni is the manager of Aurora Downtown, a nonprofit organization of downtown business and property owners. For a comprehensive guide to downtown carry-out and delivery, and to stay updated on ways to help support local businesses, visit www.auroradowntown.org.