“Dear PoPville,

Horton’s Kids works with k-12 kids in one of the most under resourced areas of DC, is doing operation Backpack for fall supplies. Since it’s hard to collect all the items with COVID-19, they’re pairing up with Sprout Supplies for easy donations. $25 gets a kid a backpack with all the things they need.

Please make your donation by Tuesday, July 14.”

Jacob sends the sad news, and a reminder that those dying are not simply statistics:

“It is with great sorrow that we share the news that Moises Alfaro, who many of us at Hogan Lovells and the surrounding DC area knew as the owner of “Moises Alfaro Shoe Shine and Repair,” recently passed away from COVID-19. Moises was always quick with a friendly smile and a compliment. He worked hard, and his mastery of the art of the shoeshine has kept the spring in our steps for years. Moises also touched many people’s lives by spending part of his time teaching Spanish. Moises leaves behind a wife and three children. Please consider contributing to THIS GoFundMe account set up to assist his wife and children during this painful time.”

via GoFundMe

Thanks to JC for passing on this GoFundMe campaign:

“Ahead of the August 28th March on Washington, our non-profit initiative is raising funds, spreading awareness and seeking partnerships to help provide tens of thousands of black umbrellas to all those marching for change. All be it simplistic in nature, the free distribution of these black umbrellas will serve three essential functions for what will be a historic event in our nations Capitol. A sea of black umbrellas stretching from the Lincoln Memorial to the Washington Monument, providing a message the world cannot ignore. Read More

The Indiegogo campaign says:

“When we started building St. Vincent, we envisioned a place where folks from all walks of life would come to share community and bond over our mutual love of good wine, food and live music. We were right on target for our opening in early Spring 2020, but that got reality-checked HARD by COVID-19. So here we are with a beautiful space and nobody to share it with…but we still have rent to pay. So, in anticipation of finally being allowed to open, we are launching this campaign to get folks excited about what we’ve spent the last year and a half working on. Have a look at our perks and see if anything tickles your fancy!

We’re hoping to raise at least $35,000 with this campaign to: Read More

From an email:

“Last year when ANXO Cidery set out to celebrate pride in a meaningful way, they partnered with local nonprofit Casa Ruby to host a dinner and opportunity to learn more about the LGBTQ+ community. After hearing about Casa Ruby’s mission to create successful life stories among transgender, genderqueer, gender non-conforming, gay, lesbian and bisexual individuals, ANXO knew they wanted to use their platform to spread awareness and raise money for an organization that continuously supports one of DC’s most vulnerable communities. Today, ANXO is celebrating Pride with the release of a special edition can of their flagship Cidre Blanc cider, with a portion of sales going to Casa Ruby. Read More

From a press release:

“This week, Market 7, a community marketplace featuring several Black-owned businesses for the purpose of alleviating food and retail deserts in D.C.’s notoriously underserved Ward 7, announced that it is 1 of 3 semi-finalists in the nationwide Essence + Pine Sol’s Build Your Legacy Grant Competition. The contest, ending July 1, will provide one Black woman-owned business with a grant of $100,000.

The winner will be determined by a public vote, and Market 7 is asking everyone across the country to help in securing the grant by voting. Receiving the grant will fund the development of their new 7,000 sq ft food hall, which will include a community grocery store and several food stall incubations offering culinary favorites from across the diaspora.

WHAT IS MARKET 7? Read More

via GoFundMe

“Dear PoPville,

Last weekend when looting was at its peak, Black & White Look Optical, a local, Black Woman-owned Optometrist on U St, was broken into and robbed of 90% of its inventory. I’m sure the owner did have business insurance but perhaps not to this extent.”

Here is the their GoFundMe:

“Our business was broken into we have been operating for 4 years! This is fundraiser is to support a local black business that was deeply affected by the riots/protest against police brutality. We are an Optical store located in Washington DC”

On Facebook they write: “To everyone that has reached out to me and donated to my GoFundMe. I would like to thank you all, these are trying times with the pandemic I know it’s tough for many of us out here. I appreciate your generosity, I’m overwhelmed with joy from your support. The business will be back & business and we will be stronger”

1514 U Street, NW

1513 17th Street, NW

From Duke’s:

“It’s a very busy week at Duke’s Grocery in Dupont Circle. Today, the gastropub launches a ​Pappy Van Winkle Charity Auction​ to raise money for So Others Might Eat (SOME), opens a Spirits Shop and announces plans to grill full Memorial Day Weekend platters on the patio.

For the charity auction, donors can select the Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year or the Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year. 100% of auction proceeds will be donated to SOME. Speaking of bourbon, Duke’s also opens a Spirits Shop, with kits available. For example, the Botanist Gin Martini Pack comes with two ​Stölzle ​crystal martini glasses, stainless steel shaker and deluxe stirrer. Limited edition bottles from Blanton’s, Eagle Rare and Weller are also available.

This weekend, a huge smoker takes over the front patio facing 17th Street for a traditional Memorial Day Weekend cookout. Read More

via GoFundMe

“Dear PoPville,

One of the unseen perils of the stay-at-home orders is the loss of visibility of those who live alone and are no longer reporting to work or scheduled activities. Unfortunately, a tragic situation recently arose from this type of circumstance with Steve Parker, a beloved tennis coach in the greater D.C. area.

Steve, who lives alone, suffered a severe MCA stroke sometime between April 1 and April 6. His classes during that period had been canceled, and his phone shows that he did not respond to calls and text messages. Steve was ultimately found by his brothers collapsed, barely conscious, and confused. Read More

1334 U Street, NW

Thanks to Matt for sharing the Codmother‘s GoFundMe:

“Hello friends and family!

As you know, COVID-19 has been a huge blow to small businesses everywhere. From a recent survey of 1,500 small business owners in the U.S., more than 50% said that they may not be able to continue after 3 months in the current state caused by the pandemic. They were surveyed in March and it is now May, so time is starting to run out for many of us. While a limited reopening could definitely help us out, we also have to consider the health risks involved. As a staff of five working in close quarters, it is more important to us to guarantee the safety of each of us as well as our customers and that’s how we find ourselves here.

We applied for the small business recovery grant and we were only given $1,000 to stay afloat, compared to the astronomical amounts corporate america received!

We are asking for some support for the “shittiest” bar in D.C., where everyone belongs. The bartender knows your name, because we are all taking our shots together. Everyone has a moment here that makes for the best of stories later. Read More