COLORADO SPRINGS — There's no arguing that the Coronavirus (COVID-19) has changed a massive portion of our daily lives.
In the midst of these changes, many local businesses are finding ways to overcome and adapt to keep their doors open, while at the same time, help those around them.
Similarly, businesses hit hard are reporting a tremendous outpouring of support from the community.
This outpouring reminding all of us that while this global epidemic has changed so much, it HASN'T changed people's desire for community.
This is We're Open Colorado, a segment dedicated to highlighting local businesses that are still open and finding unique ways to serve the community.
With all of this in mind, let's take a look at Garden of the Gods Catering and Events which has been working for the past six weeks to provide meals to hundreds of healthcare workers in Colorado Springs.
The work was prompted by hearing from an ICU nurse say that it would be extremely helpful to have access to extra snacks and meals to take one more piece of stress off of healthcare workers' shoulders.
When Marley Ahmad-Cox brought this information to the catering service, they began to work with the community to raise funds in order to begin creating and delivering small meals to Colorado Springs hospitals.
After only a week of fundraising, the organization had enough money to run their "food to healthcare workers" initiative for more than a month.
In that time span they have been able to feed 600 healthcare workers while delivering to St. Francis, Children's Hospital, and Memorial Hospital.
"We are in the industry to serve others and give back when it's needed and that's what we're really trying to move forward and do," stated Jessica Johnson, catering sales general manager.
"We may not be able to physically be there and thank them, but we are sending what we can and we are behind them," finished Marley Ahmad-Cox, a founder of the initiative.
They hope to continue this initiative, but they say that will depend on continued community support.
If you know of a business that is working to find innovative ways to keep operating while also working to help the community, email us at news@koaa.com.
