Grimey's in 2019
There have been some remarkable local efforts to help each other during this pandemic — all worthy of our attention, appreciation and imitation. From the smallest canned-good donation to the largest financial contributions, we are showing the world our generosity and heart through these many gestures of kindness.
Gov. Bill Lee, ignoring the controversy he stirred, allowed some businesses across the state to reopen on May 1 — but Metro remained closed, and Nashvillians stepped up to provide aid, comfort and support to their neighbors. Some of Tennessee’s political leaders have taken many steps to keep us safe and bolster our economy, but more awe-inspiring are the efforts of individual Tennesseans.
The United Way of Greater Nashville served as the collection and distribution hub for a $3.6 million fund that grew wildly in just a few weeks, from the donations of prominent Nashville families, local companies and anonymous individuals. Funds have already been distributed to groups like the Interfaith Dental Clinic (which provides dental care to underserved patients), One Generation Away (which provides foodstuffs to people in need) and Operation Stand Down, the veterans services group that works to provide assistance with employment, training and homelessness outreach. Impressive!
Our stay-at-home directive has impacted a number of nonprofit groups directly, eliminating their ability to help others as they normally do. Even so, they have adapted and found novel ways to help each other. A perfect example is Senior Ride Nashville, a ride-sharing program for Nashville’s older residents that provides volunteer-powered transportation to any destination, with the most frequented destinations being doctor’s appointments and the grocery store. Established in 2017, Senior Ride Nashville has provided more than 10,000 trips to the more than 360 seniors who have enrolled since launching. Though unable to provide transportation right now with the stay-at-home directive still in effect, the organization’s 115 dedicated volunteers still call their riders twice a week to check-in. They also deliver groceries to those who are in need, in large part through the outreach efforts of The Store, Brad and Kimberly Williams Paisley’s heartfelt and practical initiative to provide food with a side of dignity for those in need.
Also supported by Kimberly Williams Paisley — as well as Bobby Bones and Jake Owen — is Aaron McGill’s team at Only One Tailoring, who are sewing masks that meet CDC guidelines and donating them to medical professionals in our area. Donations enable mask production and provide income to tailors who would otherwise be without work.
The COVID Help Nashville Facebook group — led by Sarah Townsend Smith — encourages people to check on their neighbors. It has now morphed into a well-coordinated effort among volunteers who provide groceries and supplies to those in high-risk groups or who fear leaving their homes. The Good Wood Nashville sign company offers “Nashville Strong” signs, and for every sign purchased, half of the profit is donated to the small business of your choice. During one two-week period the company was able to donate $17,000 to small businesses in our area. And recently, the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame’s Tennessean of the Year, Dolly Parton, donated $1 million to Vanderbilt University for COVID-19 research assistance. That’s not surprising, as Dolly often leads the way with her generosity, and always sets a fine example for all. Taylor Swift showed support by offering assistance to a number of companies and individuals hit hard by the pandemic, including the staff and owners at beloved local record store Grimey’s New & Preloved Music.
Our best-known residents are helping the best they can. But residents of all stripes — whether they have one dollar or 1 million to give — are showing why Nashville is a special place, from the makeshift food boxes in our neighbors’ yards to setting up “bear hunts” so children can walk with their families and look for the stuffed animals peeking from the windows. These small gestures of kindness and community spirit touch us all.
Nashville has long been called the “biggest small town” in America. We are making that statement truer with every kind gesture. We will endure this virus and its widespread impact, and we will grow stronger as individuals, as families and as a community. “Nashville Strong” is more than a hashtag.
As Dolly Parton has said, “Storms make trees take deeper roots.”
Bill Freeman
Bill Freeman is the owner of FW Publishing, the publishing company that produces the Nashville Scene, Nfocus, the Nashville Post and Home Page Media Group in Williamson County.
