Items on hold can be picked up at select library branches.

The Association of Minnesota Chinese Physicians donated 2,000 face masks to Mercy Hospital – Unity Campus.

Allina Hospitals are asking for the public’s help is acquiring more PPE.

Many small businesses that have been forced to lock their doors are looking for other ways to keep going.  Inspired Music Academy in Andover found a way to continue bringing piano teachers and students together.

Some essential items are in shorter supply these days.  That includes life giving blood. That’s prompted the Red Cross to put out a call for help from healthy donors.

Anoka County Library has been working to bring more materials, classes, and learning opportunities to the community since the library buildings closed on March 17. Librarians are still working, and finding more ways to connect with their patrons.

The MetroNorth Chamber of commerce recognized the need for local businesses to communicate with their customers about schedule and policy changes, and the chamber created a Facebook page called MetroNorth Cares. It complies information from businesses throughout the area, and has been growing quickly.

Businesses across the nation are struggling, as many states have issued shelter in place or stay at home orders, leading restaurants to figure out if they want to shut their doors or change their business model. Another industry seeing big changes right now is the brewing industry.