Small Acts of Kindness Are Popping Up Around Delaware

Several area organizations are donating meals to those in need during the COVID-19 pandemic./Adobe Stock

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Amidst the stress and uncertainty the novel coronavirus has brought us, there are also small glimmers of hope.

Delaware Today is looking for those acts of kindness and good news stories to share with our readers, showing that the First State is #302Strong. You’ll find those stories here and if you have one of your own to tell, email mryan@delawaretoday.com.

Delaware Dental Foundation, Platinum Dining Group Team Up to Give Meals

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-aV8y8Ffqw/

March 31: Platinum Dining Group announced on its social media that with the partnership of Delaware Dental Foundation, the restaurant group was able to provide 150 meals to the nurses and doctors at Wilmington and Christiana Hospital emergency rooms.

“We appreciate all that you do!,” the post read.

Milton Theatre Offers a Laugh to Passersby

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-Z8wIwBc-d/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

April 1: Want a laugh? Milton Theatre is offering one even when they’re closed.

“While we’re currently considered “non-essential”, we think it’s still essential to laugh and entertain,” the theatre wrote in an Instagram post.

The Instagram included a photo of one of the message boards outside with “Now showing! No close encounters of any kind!” posted on it.

“We’re planning to change this every few days: send us your suggestions on the comments section and we’ll feature some of the best ones!,” the post concluded.

Community Kitchen Offers Services in Bethany Beach

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-dLdtiB50R/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

April 1: Bethany Heidaway and Mango’s are bringing meals to restaurant industry employees who are currently out of work.

“If you are an industry employee who is currently unemployed due to COVID-19, you can pick up a FREE meal at Heidaway this Sunday from 3-5 [p.m.]!,” the Town of Bethany Beach posted on its Instagram.

Multiple Groups in Wilmington Provide Food to Those in Need

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-etcuDly5k/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

April 2: Through the collaboration of Sysco Foods, Big Fish Restaurant Group and The Ministry of Caring, two trucks of food were given out to the homeless population at the Emmanuel Dining Room on North Jackson St. in Wilmington.

“The City of Wilmington wants to ensure that everyone is being taken care of during this tough period,” the city’s Instagram post read.

The Parks & Recreation Department is also setting up 20 “grab and go” meal sites, giving children and teenagers in Wilmington the food they need.

“Thank you, Cisco, Eric Sugrue [with Big Fish Restaurant Group] and the Ministry of Caring for making this happen. By coming together (at a safe distance!) we will get through this,” the post read.

Drip Cafe Packs Up Sandwiches

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-ewSR2Fb2l/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

April 2: Hockessin’s Drip Cafe is delivering boxed lunches to healthcare workers “thanks to a generous donation,” the restaurant said in an Instagram post.

Hakuna Hospitality Group Launches Food First Delaware

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-c256elLo4/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

April 2: You can now give a meal to those in need through Food First Delaware.

An initiative started by the Hakuna Hospitality Group, which operates restaurants like Del Pez Mexican Gastropub and Santa Fe Mexican Grill, is meant to help those affected by COVID-19. The website offers a variety of ways to provide meals whether it’s an individual meal, a meal for four, a meal for health care works or a bag of groceries.

Make your purchase through Food First Delaware and send someone the sign that you’re thinking of them through food.

Rosenfeld’s Jewish Delicatessen Shows Support

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-gSl6XBsa6/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

April 3: Rosenfeld’s Jewish Delicatessen is offering a 50 percent discount for medical workers and hospital staff, grocery store employees and employees of the U.S. Postal Service for pickup and curbside delivery orders.

DE.CO Manager Jacob McGlew Starts a Charity Cooking Show Filmed in Isolation

April 4: From his studio apartment, local restaurant industry veteran Jacob McGlew started a charity cooking show called Isolation Eats, aimed at raising money for impacted restaurant workers and providing cooking instruction and entertainment for those isolated at home. For more information and to donate, visit the Isolation Eats COVID-19 Relief Fund GoFundMe Page.

Kirkwood Auto Center Offer Free Labor to First Responders

April 6: Now through May 15, Kirkwood Auto Center is offering free labor and free sanitation to police officers, firefighters, paramedics, doctors, nurses, medical staff and medical researchers.

Delaware Couple Pledges to Match $100,000 in Donations for ChristianaCare’s Caregiver Relief Fund

The fund supports ChristianaCare caregivers who are facing their own unexpected challenges while protecting and healing our community during this crisis.

ChristianaCare refers to all of its employees as caregivers, including those who provide direct patient care and those who work in supporting roles.

“We are so very grateful to the staff at ChristianaCare who are on the frontlines of this pandemic,” said Dan Katzin in a news release. “We wanted to do our part and encourage others to join us in showing our support for the brave men and women who go to work each day to keep our community safe and healthy.”

The Caregiver Relief Fund will support ChristianaCare’s efforts to help caregivers meet unexpected hardships such as school and daycare closures, meals and temporary housing. The fund will be managed by ChristianaCare’s Center for WorkLife Wellbeing, which has been providing resources and support to caregivers throughout the crisis.