MINNESOTA, USA — During a news conference Sunday, Governor Walz said Minnesotans care for their neighbors.
Monday we're finding that to be exactly true.
Emily's F & M Cafe in North Minneapolis is closed on Mondays, but some staff still came in to work.
"We are working," said Owner Anna Donato-Ghani.
She and her crew are busy boxing meals to give those who can't get to the stores.
"We are so overwhelmed in a good way," said Donato-Ghani.
The idea came this past weekend when a customer came in and bought a meal. That customer offered to pay for another meal for someone stuck inside. That lead to dozens of donated meals.
"So for the next few weeks we're going to take this and help as many people as possible," said Donato-Ghani.
Across Minnesota, people are helping people.
In Alexandria, neighbors have created a "Helping Hands" Facebook page to help people get groceries. So far hundreds of people have responded.
In the Shakopee and Savage area, Cyril Mkalel has created a Facebook Group called "Shakopee Covid-19 Help" to coordinate volunteers looking to gather supplies.
"We are surrounded by angels. So many people want to help," said Mukalel.
Sunday he had someone in need of toilet paper.
"We posted it. We had volunteers like 3 or 4 volunteers came out and we helped them in an hour," said Mukalel.
The generosity of Minnesotans is on full display already to help get us through this tough time.
"This would be a great opporunity for them who can't leave their house and we can feed them," said Donato-Ghani.
"Be there for everyone who needs help," said Mukalel.
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The state of Minnesota has set up a hotline for general questions about coronavirus at 651-201-3920 or 1-800-657-3903, available 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.