In April 2020, COVID-19 brought much of Arizona’s economy to a screeching halt. All businesses not deemed “essential” were ordered closed by Arizona’s governor Doug Ducey.
The lockdown continued for nearly two months. When Gov. Ducey finally gave the go ahead to reopen, businesses slowly began the road to recovery. Even those listed as “essential” had a challenge with this economic recovery.
Many small businesses and non-profits in Arizona didn’t survive the lockdown. The businesses that did survive are hanging on as best they can. Copper Area News wanted to give something back to the local business community as a thank you for supporting us through these troubled times. Our newspapers (Copper Basin News, Superior Sun and San Manuel Miner) have been featuring local businesses and non-profits since the beginning of 2021, encouraging our readers to Shop at Home, stay local and support our local businesses. To date, Copper Area News has featured 93 businesses and groups in the Copper Corridor.
As the COVID-19 Pandemic took its toll, businesses, families and even local non-profits had to adjust their strategies to keep their missions moving forward while working through the pandemic. Meetings were moved to Zoom and fundraisers had to become creative as in-person events were not allowed.
The Kearny Women’s Club has had its struggles with the pandemic.
The group’s main fundraising platform, the annual Kearny Women’s Club calendar, was cancelled last year due to COVID-19. But it’s full steam ahead with the 2022 calendar. The ladies are hard at work on it so it will be ready for purchase on time.
The Kearny Women’s Club was formed in the 1960s by a group of local ladies who wanted to give back to the community. Today’s membership is very small, but they are still finding ways to give back to the community. During Thanksgiving, two families in need are furnished with food baskets to help make the holiday a little easier. At Christmastime, two other families are provided with Christmas gifts – toys and clothing. Even more amazing, proceeds from the calendar sale are used to fund two $1,000 scholarships for deserving Ray High School seniors. In spite of a pandemic, the group presented scholarships to Michael Warren and Indigo Patterson.
The KWC would like to thank friends and members of the community for their support. Without that support, the organization wouldn’t have the success it has in meeting its goals.
