Shenango valley business leaders gathered recently to discuss ways to help the community's older residents during the coronavirus emergency.

"While many people have been reaching out to us to get information to help their business during this time, and we've been able to connect them with state departments, Gannon University SBDC in Erie, and other business experts in the field, we've also had many in our community reaching out in concern about how to safely check in on some of the older people in their neighborhood who may not have access to online information," said Sherris Moreira, Executive Director of the Shenango Valley Chamber of Commerce. "With the importance of following the rules of social distancing right now, we wanted to be very thoughtful in our approach to that concern."

They came up with the idea to place a door hanger on people's front doors. The door hangers, which are gold and black, just say "Hi, I'm your neighbor, just checking in! If you need help with anything during this time, just call _____________. Sincerely _____________."

"Creating a door hanger with a simple message of communication can allow residents to safely check in on a neighbor from a social distance" explained Moreira, adding that they are calling it the Neighbor Check-In initiative.

Hearing stories of older folks afraid to leave their homes in light of the health crisis, Melissa Phillips, Community and Economic Development Director of the City of Sharon, thought it was important to find a way for neighbors who don't know each other too well to communicate.

"Some people want to help, but just aren't sure what to do. This is an easy way to give agency to those who want to safely check in on their neighbors. During these uncertain times, a simple friendly gesture may really benefit someone who is feeling scared and alone," said Phillips.

The cardboard door hangers were donated by Minuteman Press who wanted to help the community once they heard of the idea. "We know this is a tough time for folks right now, so we were glad to help out with this initiative," said Kevin McDermott, owner of Minuteman Press in Hermitage.

The door hangers are currently available at D'Onofrio's Food Center, Hermitage; Save A Lot, Sharon; Shop 'N Save, Hubbard; Farrell Golden Dawn; The Happy Eggplant Gourmet, Hermitage; Minuteman Press, Hermitage; and will come with takeout at Thelma's Sports Nook in Sharpsville; and curbside at Maison de Savon and Webb Winery, both in Hermitage.