The decision by many to shelter in place during this pandemic has been wise, but it’s been hard on many. Our local small businesses, who depend on our money to stay open, have been especially hard hit.

Some restaurants have attempted to adapt by switching to carryout and delivery only, but it hasn’t made up the loss of dine in customers, who in most cases, were most of their business.

Salons have been hit hard as well, since they depend on people coming in, and aren’t allowed to make housecalls. Retail stores have lost all of their foot traffic because they aren’t allowed to open their doors.

Unfortunately, that presents them with a hard choice. Close until this is all over and risk losing their customers when things return to some semblance of normalcy, or stay open and lose money, which may end up closing the business permanently.

Small businesses are the heart and soul of a community. Without restaurants to eat in, and stores to shop in, Webster City would not be the same. It wouldn’t be nearly as great a place to live as it is now.

Money is tight right now, since many have lost their jobs to Covid 19 related shutdowns. Unemployment has been slow in coming for many, and there is a definite fear of spending money now in case it is needed later. But our community depends on us doing some spending in the name of hope and the wish to have life return to normal some day.

If you haven’t ordered carry out or delivery, call your local restaurant and order something. If your local retailer has a website, go online and order something for delivery. It doesn’t have to be a lot, but every little bit helps keep those businesses going until things get back to normal.