Memphis kindness live blog, April 10: The gift of pizza on porches
Methodist Germantown nurses pick up their meals from Tammy Rivera. Rivera has spearheaded "Feed the Frontlines," a grassroots effort to feed health care workers in Germantown. (Submitted)
As we navigate through this difficult time of dealing with the coronavirus, it is important to capture those instances where Memphians are coming together for each other. Those acts of kindness, generous moments and just feel-good instances happening all around us. Our reporters will be out looking for these. We also want to hear from you. If you have a nomination for our Memphis Kindness blog, email us at memphiskindness@dailymemphian.com. Thank you for reading. — Ronnie Ramos, executive editor Editor’s Note: The Daily Memphian is making our coronavirus coverage accessible to all readers — no subscription needed. Our journalists continue to work around the clock to provide you with the extensive coverage you need; if you can subscribe, please do.
April 10, 2020
Pizza for neighbors — because that’s nice to do
The note popped up Thursday on Facebook, from someone named Kathy Johnson: “Could anyone use a cheese pizza or a pepperoni and sausage pizza tonight?”
The answer to that one is always, “yes,” or course. But what could it mean?
Shortly, the response came flooding in.
A neighbor name Rachel: “Me!”
Johnson: “On the porch. Come on!”
A neighbor named Kyle: “Pepperoni/sausage please.”
Johnson: “You got it. On front porch with your name on it! Enjoy!”
A neighbor named Maggie: “Any cheese pizza left?”
Johnson: “Absolutely! On the porch with your name on it!”
This went on for pizza after pizza. Johnson gave 20 pizzas away.
“It was just fun,” she said. “I’ve got neighbors who are home-schooling four kids. I’ve got neighbors who have lost their jobs. If I’m in a position to do this, why not?”
It wasn’t the first time Johnson provided dinner for the neighborhood during the pandemic. She had already given away vats of chicken noodle soup, taco soup and beef stew.
“I actually started with MemPops,” she said. “My brother works there. So, I had him come over one night and I bought popsicles for the neighborhood. And it just made everyone so happy. The kids were smiling — and so was everyone.”
So, Johnson — who lives in the Sea Isle section of town — drifted from popsicles to dinners. The smiles haven’t stopped.
“People are so grateful,” she said. “Honestly, it blows my mind that something so easy creates such happiness. There are people working in hospitals. There are people who are having a really hard time. This is such a simple thing. I wish I could do more. “
April 09, 2020
ServiceMaster donating services to Shelby County Sheriff’s office
Approximately 60 to 80 Shelby County Sheriff vehicles will be decontaminated Friday.
The service is being offered for free by ServiceMaster By Cornerstone.
“It is essential that we break the chain of infection and keep our first responders safe,” Tyler Pattat, owner of ServiceMaster By Cornerstone, said in release. “Our team is trained in sanitizing and disinfection and we have the tools and products to do the work correctly.”
Collierville allowing Easter Bunny to work over holiday weekend
Collierville Mayor Stan Joyner said a seasonal worker’s job is crucial this weekend.
A mayoral proclamation Thursday afternoon named the Easter Bunny an essential employee.
#Collierville Mayor Stan Joyner proclaims the Easter Bunny as an essential worker following proper health protocols such as "leaving eggs and treats in baskets after thoroughly washing his paws."
— Town of Collierville (@ColliervilleGov) April 9, 2020
We hope you have a happy and #SafeAtHome holiday weekend! ?? pic.twitter.com/j8g5KdLnj5
“Whereas, there is a special visitor this time of year who leaves surprises in homes to celebrate spring and new life, and whereas I’m pleased to announce the Easter Bunny is an essential worker and is given full authority to hop around through town.”
He may leave treats in Easter baskets “after thoroughly washing his paws,” according to Joyner’s proclamation.
The mayor presented the proclamation to the Easter Bunny Thursday afternoon outside Town Hall.
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