HASTINGS, Mich. — A Barry County pizza shop is serving a slice of hope during the coronavirus pandemic.
Northside Pizza in Hastings is offering toilet paper and other essentials that people may need but might not be able to find during the outbreak.
“It’s taught me that people are in need everywhere,” said Jackie Elliot, owner. “All walks of life.”
Elliot’s efforts started about a week after Michigan’s stay-at-home order went into effect.
“I just seen on Facebook, all of the things that people weren’t able to find,” said Elliot. “So, when I ordered my food [from Northside Pizza’s vendor]…I’m like, ‘Ok, what can I get? Can I get toilet paper?’ They’re like, ‘No, we’re out,’ and I’m like, ‘Look. We’ve got to find toilet paper.’”
Since then the effort has grown to include flour, yeast, and alcohol wipes.
“Then I seen [sick] people [saying] I can’t find flour and yeast anywhere,” said Elliot. “I got way more bags of flour.”
Each item is free. She estimates they’ve helped up to 100 people.
“People have been just thankful,” said Elliot.
Northside Pizza hopes to help more, but Elliot says, regardless, they just want to give back to the community that has given so much to them.
“We love our customers and they’re why we’re here,”said Elliot. “When you can’t find what you really need because you haven’t stocked up on it, you need it. I feel like if someone else has it, they should share it or give it or do what you can to help anybody who needs anything.”
Northside Pizza is open from 3-9 p.m. for those looking for assistance. Elliot says they’re welcome to stop by and pick up the items whenever.
If people would like to donate, contact Elliothere.
