New Facebook Groups Launch For Shopping Local Amid Coronavirus

PLAINFIELD, IL — Two new Facebook groups have launched for residents of Plainfield and nearby communities, promoting local businesses' and restaurants' deals and pick-up options during the coronavirus crisis. At the time of this article's publication, the restaurant group already had over 3,700 members, while the local business page was smaller at about 300 members. Both were started by, and are moderated by, Plainfield Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Tasha Marsaglia.

"The Plainfield Area Take-Out and Delivery Options amid COVID-19 [group], that was the first one that I started... on Monday afternoon, I guess I would say," Marsaglia said, "and on Tuesday... I created the Plainfield Area Shop Local Amid COVID-19 [group]."

Both pages features updates from restaurants and small businesses in communities within a 25-mile radius of Plainfield about the specials and deals they are offering, and both groups also serve as a real-time forum for local residents. They're updated minute-to-minute, so anyone can see the latest eatery information or new deal in real time. People in the groups can share tips on where to go, what to get, how much different establishments cost, and what complications there might be in getting the food or goods - like if a place accepts cash only or is shutting down completely, for example.

Marsaglia said many restaurants associated with the Chamber of Commerce have posted on the restaurant site, and that other Chambers in Will County are launching similar Faecbook groups. Anyone interested in supporting local businesses and restaurants through this crisis are welcome to join the groups, as are restaurants and businesses within 25 miles of Plainfield.

"We didn't want it just to be Chamber members," she said. "We need to support our whole community."

For more information on local restaurants or businesses and how they are faring during the crisis, local residents can visit the Plainfield Area Chamber of Commerce website or call them at (815) 436-4431.