Dear readers,

I used to think of the expression “Vote with your dollar” as a directive to avoid supporting companies with unethical practices, and I did so with varying success. For example, I tried to limit my purchases from Amazon because of what the company is doing to the book industry, which is near and dear to my heart. But I confess that there have been times when my lazier side won out and I end up purchasing some ridiculous item at 2 a.m. I’m not claiming to be perfect, but I’m tackling this problem with a renewed vigor at this time. This holiday season, it’s taking on a new importance in the way I select gifts for my loved ones. I’m going to buy local for every single gift, and I hope you’ll join me.

Voting with my dollar in the time of COVID-19 means voting for the businesses I love to stay afloat. This season is when many businesses make a large sum of their money—they count on it, and during any other time, that was an easy bet. 

But we’re living in different times, and we need to show up for them. We need to think long and hard about what we want our community to look like once we’re on the other side of this. I’ve always strived to give personal, meaningful gifts, which meant I steered away from gift cards because I felt like they sent the message of, “I don’t know what to give you” or “I spent minimal time selecting your gift.” This year, I will give out restaurant gift cards to my friend’s favorite spots in town, because it’s not just giving them cash to spend, it’s also putting a vote in on their behalf. It says, “I know you love this place, let’s make sure it sticks around.” Doing this is also an act of faith: I know this restaurant will stick around.

Also, never has there been a better excuse to be lazy about dinner. I’m not avoiding food prep/standing over a stove/clean up. I’m supporting my community! A win/win, if you ask me. But don’t forget to tip your delivery person; that’s how they make the majority of their money.

Luckily, though at limited capacity, our stores are able to remain open, and they’re employing people in our community. Let’s put them in a position where they don’t have to make the hard decision to let someone go. We need to keep as many people employed as possible so we don’t have as steep a hill to climb when we’re on the other side of this. I know, the other side of this feels distant—I’m right there with you—but it will happen.

I know for many of us, money is tight. Let’s keep all of it in our community. Here’s a wild idea: What if we always did this? A beautiful silver-lining would be learning to be a city that invested in one another extravagantly. Imagine how our area would grow, how more people would choose to open fantastic shops, delicious restaurants, new and exciting services, if they could be certain that the community would receive them with open arms? We could be the example. No, Spokane doesn’t suck, and let’s put our money where our mouth is.

On a related note, when you’re sending these local treasures to loved ones from afar—people who you would likely love to be with during this time but can’t because of our unusual circumstances—please use the United States Postal System. This institution is in trouble and deserving of our support. Whether rain, or sleet, or snow, they deliver to all addresses near or far. If we were to lose them, think for a moment how a grandmother in rural Idaho is going to get her prescription medication. We need them, and right now, they need us.

If you’re struggling to figure out what exactly to buy local, our holiday gift guide is a great place to start. The guide has such a variety of items from businesses much deserving of our support. They need our vote.

I would love to hear what you’re buying local—I’m always looking for new ideas, and Spokane contains so many hidden treasures. 

Sincerely,

Megan Louise

[email protected]

157 S. Howard, Suite #603

Spokane, WA 99201