New campaign spotlights sunnier side of pandemic

In the midst of these tough times there are a multitude of stories about community members reaching out to support and help others, making efforts to stay connected and keeping one another safe. A new city/county initiative called “ATX for ATX” is aimed at highlighting these bright spots, asking residents to share stories and ideas over social media and via the SpeakUp Austin! online community engagement tool. According to the SpeakUp page, “Whether you are helping as an individual, with friends, neighbors, as part of a community of faith or a business, please share your stories to inform, empower and inspire. No act is too small or too big.” The page showcases the many dozens of ways residents, businesses and nonprofits are demonstrating their generosity during the crisis. For example, one community member is offering online visits from Bailey the Therapy Hound. Tito’s Handmade Vodka is donating a 55-gallon drum of hand sanitizer to be shared between Austin Public Health clinics, Covid-19 test sites and Austin Animal Services. From coloring sheets for kids at home to donations of protective equipment from large corporations, people are coming up with innumerable ways to show they care. Share your stories here or join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using #ATXforATX.