In this month’s column, I wish to acknowledge more local organizations and businesses that are making life easier for us during the pandemic.
While many are working hard to help, there is only enough space to mention several. Like last month’s column, the companies are listed in alphabetical order.
All Safe Mini Storage (360-234-2681)
The owners and managers continue to work with clients facing financial difficulty to find solutions that allow those clients to retain the use of their units when possible. The company donates or discounts storage space to more than 30 local not-for-profit groups; these organizations are listed on the “Community” page of their website. The company donated money to Sequim Food Bank.
Auto Depot (360-683-7054)
This company offers curbside drop off and pick up, and has created a way for customers to pay via email. Even before the pandemic hit, employees would clean the inside of all vehicles worked on. Since the pandemic, these employees are being extra careful with the vehicle cleaning.
Dungeness Community Church (360-683-7333)
Members volunteered to help with the soup kitchens and served food to families at Elk Creek Apartments. Members also sewed countless masks for the community. Currently this church, along with several other local churches, are looking towards the future to determine how to best serve our community.
Pegasus Cleaners (360-809-3634)
The owners made masks by the thousands. Because they received so much money and fabric from local individuals they ended up giving masks and mask-holders away for free, and continue to do so. The company is in the process of creating a pick up and delivery service. They donated money to the Sequim Food Bank. (As a side note, Pegasus Cleaners includes dry cleaning, laundry and sewing/alternation services.)
Sequim Gazette (360-683-3311)
The Gazette office is still closed to the public. There are notices on the front door and there is a box in the back of the building for all non-electronic communications. Behind those closed doors, Mike Dashiell and his (awesome) staff work long hours to keep the Gazette readers updated on what’s happening, and to be as encouraging as possible.
Sequim Spice and Tea (360-683-2050)
This local shop expanded the number of ways for customers to place orders. In addition to traditional phone calls, customers may order products via email or Facebook Messenger. The email address is on their business card. Even though the store is now open, employees still provide curb-side delivery when requested. In addition, Sequim Spice and Tea’s Facebook page has some fun recipes posted.
Shipley Center (360-683-6806)
The café walk-up window at Shipley Center is open for affordable take-out meals from 11a.m.-2 p.m. To place an order call the center any time after 9 a.m. Volunteers for the center have called every one of the (1,600) senior members to make sure everyone is safe, and to offer resources. The center offers meditation and Tai Chi on-line classes, and is working to add additional programming. At this time there is no cost though donations are always welcome. Call the center for information on foot care.
Sunny Farms (360-683-8003)
The store designated specific shopping hours exclusively for the elderly and medical-fragile. The owners are in constant communication with vendors to ensure local customers have quality product as soon as possible. The store’s employees are always upbeat and friendly, even when dealing with rude customers. To quote one of the owners, “We do our best to always smile with our eyes (above our masks).”
Wind Rose Cellars (360-681-0690)
The company donates to not-for-profits by selecting a specific wine for a specific organization. For example, their 2016 Library REaD supports the libraries in Clallam and Jefferson counties. Their 2019 Wild Coast White Albarino supports the Ocean Marine Sanctuary. For every sale of these selected wines Wind Rose Cellars donates a percentage of the sale to the designated organization. The company has done much for the community, even pre-pandemic. The wine bar has a special on all wines this September.
The UPS Store (360-582-9534
The main focus of this column was on local organizations as opposed to national companies. However, the employees of the UPS Store in Sequim deserve honorable mention. This pandemic has created a phenomenal increase in traditional mail services with both letters and packages. All store employees work long, hard hours to deal with the increase of mail flow and are always friendly, even when dealing with rude customers. On the Friday afternoon before Mother’s Day, Coley, the store manager personally called everyone of the box holders to inform them their stipend checks had arrived.
At the end of next month’s column I will announce a new contest which will run longer. Email us your comments at information@crystallinn.com. I personally respond to each email.
Crystal Linn is a multi-published author and an award-winning poet. When not writing, or teaching workshops, Crystal enjoys reading a good mystery, hiking, and sailing with friends and family. See crystallinn.com.
