Many of the local businesses have stopped thinking about their business lately, and have started putting all their efforts into helping others: the community, health care workers, first responders and other businesses. Those who we purchase from and support today are the ones who are going to be here tomorrow so we’re taking the time to highlight some of those who are working hard to give back.

Princeton Soup and Sandwich Company

Open: Delivery (no minimum!), Curbside Pickup

Go Fund Me: Boxed Lunch Meals for Critical Care Workers

When Princeton University sent students home and the shelter-in-place order was placed, the soup and sandwich shop suffered. Palmer Square Management ended up paying them to make 100 meals to donate to frontline health care workers and it felt great to give back so they kept going. They set up a Go Fund Me page and received $10,000 the first week with the goal of $15,000. They’ve made 1,000 lunches so far to healthcare workers in Princeton, Plainsboro, Hopewell and Hamilton. They’ve also given lunches to police officers in Princeton and South Brunswick.

Donations of food being donated to a hospital by Princeton Soup & Sandwich Company

Photo via https://www.instagram.com/princetonsoupandsandwich/

How can you help? If you’re able, donate to their Go Fund Me page and/or purchase food for home or a gift card. If you’ve eaten there in the past and loved it, leave a review, share their work and urge others to support them as well.

 

The Gingered Peach

https://thegingerdpeach.square.site/s/shop

Currently Closed

Donations of baked goods getting ready to be delivered from the gingered peach

Photo via https://www.instagram.com/thegingeredpeach/

Always willing to lend a hand to a neighbor, especially during this pandemic. They’ve asked and then purchased food that people weren’t able to find at groceries stories, given ingredients to fellow businesses and have delivered food to those in need. Now The Gingered Peach is working with Capital Health Hospital to launch a “Front Line Bake Sale” where you can donate a pastry from The Peach to the healthcare workers working hard during this difficult time. Information is to come on how you can donate. Keep connected with their social accounts and check their website (link above).

How can you help? Look out for bake sales on their social sites, donate when possible, leave reviews and look out for when they’re open again. Keep supporting this local bakery who’s given everything to keep its community thriving.

 

Arts Council of Princeton

Currently Offering Virtual Classes

The front window of the arts council of princeton

Photo via https://www.instagram.com/artscouncilofprinceton/

While times are difficult, the Arts Council remains committed to its mission of “Building Community through the Arts.” Along with community-wide art projects, like the ACP Sketch Club and A Day in the Life, to keep people thinking positively and creatively, it has also launched the “Sew Many Masks” project, which is seeking community crafters to make and donate masks. The masks will be available for free for anyone who needs one.

How can you help? Sign up for one of their virtual classes (link above) for children, teens or adults. Participate in their online art projects, which are designed for all ages and abilities. You can also make a donation here, which helps ensure the arts remain a visual part of the community during this terrible time.

 

Mr. Roger’s Neighbors Kindness Project

Currently Open

Mr. Roger’s Neighbors Kindness Project

Photo via https://www.instagram.com/thebentspoon/

This is a brand new initiative, started by Princeton resident Blair Miller, to allow the community to support struggling neighbors and businesses. Through the program, patrons are allowed to purchase an extra meal, book, groceries or toy when ordering online/by phone  with participating businesses. These items are added the next day to the newly opened Free Store/Tienda Gratis, located in Studio Hillier, 190 Witherspoon Street.

Which businesses are participating?

  • McCaffrey’s Supermarket, where you can add a “Neighbors’ Bag” to your purchase at checkout. These bags are pre-packaged, costing between $5 - $20, and include personal hygiene items, baby items, cleaning products and other necessary goods.
  • Local Greek
  • The Bent Spoon
  • Nomad Pizza
  • Princeton Soup and Sandwich
  • Small World Coffee
  • Olives
  • Tiger Noodles
  • Lybrinth Books
  • JaZams
  • Sprouts

Click here to order through one of the participating businesses! You can also donate here!

 

One Simple Wish

https://www.onesimplewish.org

While One Simple Wish provides for their community all year, they are working especially hard for foster children during this pandemic by making sure anyone without food or other necessities are heard. Many of those in foster care are without the safety net of a family or community of support and need us right now. They also don’t always have access to technology for their education and are without personal belongings to make them feel safe.

One Simple Wish

Photo via https://www.instagram.com/onesimplewish/

How can you help? Donate to their COVID-19 Response Fund here. Browse for specific wishes to grant or send a virtual hug, for free here.

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If you know of a business that’s making a difference in Mercer County, comment below or contact us here. We’d love to share their work.

 

Also be sure to check out some incredible movies, filmed in and around Princeton University, here to keep you enjoying Princeton from home!