We are all making adjustments and navigating this unprecedented situation the novel coronavirus has created in the last few weeks. Despite the social distancing and closures that have kept many of us physically separated from each other, people in our community are hard at work crafting ways for us to stay connected, encouraged and engaged during these uncertain days. We compiled some of the inspiring efforts we’ve come across lately below.
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1. Hoover Helpline
The city’s helpline is a one-stop resource line in which Hoover residents can speak with a person about their needs, whether they relate to food, errands, tax deadlines or something else affected by the COVID-19 crisis. The Helpline representative will take their requests, reach out to an agency that can help, find out information and relay it back to the caller. The Hoover Helpline number is (205) 444-7877, and it’s open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week including weekends.
2. Feeding the Need
Food assistance resources are available throughout the community. Asbury United Methodist Church is operating a food pantry, among other services, and is accepting assistance requests here. Grace Klein Community Inc. is accepting non-perishable food and monetary donations to help feed children, families and seniors. Find out how to contribute here. And Hoover City Schools has provided grab-and-go bagged meals to students at Green Valley Elementary School.
3. #EatShopPlayHoover
This new website is designed to foster support for Hoover’s restaurants, hotels, shops, salons, theaters, markets and many other businesses during the coronavirus pandemic. Ordering food to go, shopping online, tipping well and buying gift cards are immediate ways to help these businesses. Learn more or register your business or non-profit organization at Eatshopplayhoover.com.
4. Hoops for Heroes Tournament Challenge
The March Madness Tournament might be canceled this year, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a little bracket fun—for a good cause. Make a donation to Neighborhood Bridges Hoover, and you can fill out a bracket in the Hoops for Heroes Tournament Challenge. Print and fill out the bracket online. Go to the Neighborhood Bridges Hoover Facebook page for more details.
5. Virtual April Coffee & Contacts
The Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce will host a virtual networking event on Thursday, April 9 from 7:30-9 a.m. Reserve your spot at Business.hooverchamber.org, and get ready to grab your coffee and network [at a safe distance].
6. E-Learning Resources
Dr. Chris Robbins at Berry Middle School has become a local star with his morning announcement videos on YouTube. He is asking his students to do three things each day during the extended break: 1) read for 30 minutes each day, 2), practice some math and 3) work to complete a five-square path on the school’s “Berry Bingo Board Challenge.” Videos may be viewed at Hoovercityschools.net/berry; just click on the link under “Coronavirus Update.” For updates pertaining to coronavirus and student resources at all Hoover City Schools, go to Hoovercityschools.net. Families of students of Shelby County Schools may do the same at Shelbyed.k12.al.us.
7. Staying Active
Master Scarsella’s World Class Tae Kwon Do is offering live classes every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, along with digital events on Thursdays, starting with a Live Q&A with Master Scarsella on March 26. An introductory class for family and friends will be held April 2, followed by World Class Trivia on April 9 (if the studio is still closed). Visit Master Scarsella’s Facebook page for more information. The YMCA of Greater Birmingham is offering virtual fitness programming until local facilities are able to reopen and resume normal classes and operations. Go to Ymcabham.org/virtualfitness or one of the local branches’ Facebook pages (Hoover YMCA and Greystone YMCA) for more information.
8. What’s Open and What’s Closed
The city’s website contains a running list of the latest city operations and closings, helpful information for businesses and vital health information. Go to Hooveralabama.gov and click on the red link titled “CLICK FOR MORE INFO: BUSINESSES AND INDIVIDUALS.”
How are you seeing neighbors helping neighbors in this season of COVID-19, and who in Hoover needs financial or volunteer support? We’re collecting more stories to share online, on social media and in print. Email Editor Emily Sparacino at emily.sparacino@hooversmagazine.com with any stories or information you’d like to share, or message @hooversmagazine on Facebook or @hooversmag on Instagram.
