While many independent stores have been going above and beyond to serve their local communities, they also have stories to tell of the acts of kindness from their customers.
Baljinder Singh, who runs Moorpool News and Wine in Harborne, Birmingham, is one such shopkeeper.
“I’ve only been running the shop for a few months but once the pandemic started we really noticed how generous people round here can be. So many of our customers have offered to deliver groceries and newspapers to people who can’t leave their home,” he said.
“We even had a nurse from a local hospital come in and said if you’re stuck I can do deliveries for you. We thought that was so generous considering she’s probably working 12-hour shifts.
“It’s all really overwhelming to experience so much compassion for others.”
West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) has urged residents to share such acts of kindness using the hashtag #WMKindness. They could also submit a short video clip made on their smart phone.
“We are sharing stories about acts of kindness no matter how small the gesture. We are living through unusual and sometimes distressing times, but we don’t want to lose sight of the fact that many kind acts are taking place in our region,” said Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands.
