A person, family, or community shows its strength by how it comes together during the hard times. Obviously, for those on the front lines of the fight against COVID-19, and for local restaurants who have seen their customer base vanish overnight, these are those hard times. Fortunately, we are seeing signs of humanity and creativity come together like never before to get through this dark period.

One of these companies leading the way is Ruthie’s Boardwalk Social, a walk-up grilled cheese stand on Pearl Street. With the stay-at-home order, Ruthie’s is facing the same thing many restaurants around Boulder are, a lack of customers. They also realize the incredible need that has arisen from the cascading effect the pandemic is having on our economy. Thousands of workers in the restaurant industry have found themselves unemployed over the last few weeks, while charities and organizations are becoming overwhelmed with the need to feed people. Rushie’s has created an online order form where you can donate as little as 1 or as many as 50 grilled cheese sandwiches to a charity or group in need. During their first week of this initiative, an astounding 700 grilled cheeses were donated!

This initiative doesn’t only help the person/people on the receiving end of a meal, but also helps this local business stay open and their employees working. Along with providing this form of charity, they are also matching the kindness of their customers through giving meals to those in need due to layoffs in the restaurant industry. If you are a former restaurant worker who was laid off due to this pandemic, and you are in need of a meal, go up to Ruthie’s Boardwalk Social at 1397 Pearl St, Boulder, CO between 10:00am and 2:00pm and they will help you out with a free bite to eat.

Colin