Recognizing MVT Acts of Kindness
Tuesday April 7, 2020
As we all work to counteract the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, countless acts of kindness are taking place across DC and beyond. Many of these acts are happening at hospitals or in homes, while others have happened in Mount Vernon Triangle. We wanted to share a few of these “MVT Acts of Kindness” as a reminder that amid these hard times, people are still caring for each other through compassion and appreciation.
TROPICAL SMOOTHIE & CHEZ LILY: Since opening Tropical Smoothie and Chez Lily Coffee Shop, co-owners Oubab Khalil and Lama Hamoudi have earned the love and loyalty of Mount Vernon Triangle’s residents, workers and patrons—providing many reasons show their love and appreciation to those on the front lines of this pandemic. Oubab, Lama and their employees have delivered hundreds of complementary smoothies as well as food and other goodies to hospital workers, officers at the Metropolitan Police Department, grandparent caregivers and their grandchildren at the Plaza West intergenerational housing community in Mount Vernon Triangle, the individuals preparing school lunches at Walker Jones Educational Campus, and more.
RASA: Giving back to the community has always been the heart and soul of RASA’s business model. Since day one of the pandemic, RASA has provided – and continue to provide – free takeout meals for students 18 and under, hospital workers with a valid ID, their team members and families, and more recently, grocery store employees. For those wanting to help share in this generous contribution to our community members, please consider ordering takeout/delivery from RASA so that they have the funding to continue providing these acts of kindness. And like all of you, we can’t wait for the opening of RASA’s new location at City Vista in Mount Vernon Triangle!
MADRIGAL LOFTS CONDOMINIUMS: To show solidarity and appreciation for healthcare workers, Madrigal Lofts residents organized a date and time for neighbors to go to their windows or balconies to give a round of applause for those working at our local hospitals. Their cheering could be heard throughout the neighborhood and brought smiles to the faces of many. What’s more, many Madrigal Lofts residents have signed up to shop on behalf of neighbors for whom it is unsafe to do so, while others have left tasty gifts – including cookies, chili and birthday cake! – in the lobby for everyone’s enjoyment.
SAFEWAY: After grocery store shelves were emptied during initial stages of COVID-19 panic-buying, Safeway took the step of opening their store from 7am-9am for seniors and the immune-compromised. This has given many the opportunity to buy essentials while shopping away from crowds.
Have you witnessed or participated in an MVT Act of Kindness? If so, please feel free to share by emailing us at info@mvtcid.org. We’d love to share and promote positivity throughout our neighborhood and beyond!