Links in the Local Supply Chain Don’t Break
Community Links > Supply Chain
Over the past few years, in news articles, social media platforms and conversations, it’s common to run across the disaster that has become the global SUPPLY CHAIN.
It started with hoarding of resources (I’m lookin’ at you, toilet paper), big container ships getting wedged in tight places and long delays for large appliances. It has now devolved into companies advertising Black Friday deals in October, families worrying about how to possibly accommodate an “on time” Christmas gifting season and the highest percentage of inflation we have seen since 1990.
If the supply chain is made up of links, some of which might get disconnected, maybe now’s a good time to focus on our personal supply chain, those links we create and maintain ourselves, in our own communities.
One easy link we can make is to shop at small local businesses. Shopping local contributes to the livelihood of small business owners, real people! It’s better for the environment and it directly supports economic growth close to home. By shopping local, we are making a direct impact on our neighbors and they support us with the shops that they own. It’s a virtuous cycle.
Whenever I shop at BookBar, I walk away feeling connected to the employees, the patrons and even with the building, even beloved Tennyson Street! And of course to BookGive’s mission to deliver free books to those who need them.
Over the Thanksgiving holiday, while halfway through my 9-hour day of preparing to host my first feast with my new in-laws, I spied in the check-out line a very distinct haircut and color, while at the same time the owner of said coif was smiling at my boys who were singing aloud to the Maroon 5 song playing overhead.
“Hey, aren’t you the owner of BookBar?” I asked. She proudly beamed and responded, “YES!”
Nicole Sullivan and I chatted for a minute, wished each other a happy holiday and went about our days. It was such a short exchange, just a polite conversation between grocery patrons, but it made me feel proud to know that I can choose to spend my money at a place with a face – and an adorable haircut – and not just mindlessly feed the monster of a big, lifeless corporation.
Another link that I’ve enjoyed this year is volunteering at BookGive. Giving my time has allowed me the opportunity to feel less alone, meet new people and foster relationships with others in our community who are also seeking new ways to connect.
A fellow volunteer told me the story of two nursing home residents who were having a chat about a book, a title donated from BookGive. A simple, meaningful moment of connection made possible by the hours donated by volunteers. In a time where the only way we can protect ourselves and others is to isolate whenever possible, these little moments have a profoundly positive effect on our general sense of well-being.
It is these real connections with real people and places – and organizations like BookGive – that are the solution to the uproar about the supply chain. Forget those woes. We can keep our personal supply chain strong enough to last.
This blog contributed by BookGive volunteer, Miranda Ericksen.
