No doubt we are living in strange times in this era of COVID-19 and all the changes it has necessitated in our lives.

But something has not changed and that’s the importance of supporting the small businesses in our community.

Small Business Saturday, marked the Saturday after Thanksgiving, is a reminder of just how much impact buying local has on these non-box store retailers.

If we want them to survive, we have to purchase items from as many as we can.

That’s true every year.

With the added restrictions on our lives right now, shopping may be a bit different from in other years.

And there are those who are afraid to step into a brick and mortar building right now.

But remember many of these businesses have ads in this newspaper to give shoppers an idea of what they are selling.

Many have an online presence, be it a website of their own or a Facebook page or some other way to get information about their products to consumers.

If you look, you can find myriad gift options for Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or whatever holiday you observe.

You can buy gift certificates from these businesses if you’re stumped what to get for those you love.

Many local restaurants would be thrilled if you purchased gift cards from them.

It has been an extremely tough year for owners and employees alike.

If you look around, you will find many unique items being sold by these local sellers, gifts that are truly one of a kind and extra special.

We hope that as you consider what sort of gift buying you’re going to do as 2020 comes to a close, you put shopping at local small businesses at the top of the list.

Together, we can help them to survive the pandemic and thrive in 2021 and beyond.

For more information, visit https://m.facebook.com/SmallBusinessSaturday/