- DuPont, Washington, pulls together showing Humankind’s good side - April 23, 2020
The city of DuPont is located right in between two major cities in Washington State, Tacoma and Olympia. And although it does have a population of just over 9,500 it has always had a very strong sense of community and really has more of a small-town feel. This may be because there are only two roads that lead in and out of DuPont and the shops in town do not lend themselves to travelers. There is no large grocery store and the downtown contains a library, pharmacy, and gas station, among a few other smaller shops. So, when they stay in place order was set this was instantly something that was of concern to residents. What happens if food runs out, how can residents stay active and what is this going to look like. In DuPont, it has somehow managed to make this town feel even more like a community.
A big concern for residents is maintaining physical and mental health and that since all playgrounds, parks, and gyms are closed staying active has been a challenge. Luckily residents have been able to take advantage of all the neighborhood trails. A group of local Cub Scouts has even set up a scavenger hunt to help residents discover new trails, find historical markers and learn more about Washington State. And for those residents who cannot get outside, the gym in town has established a weekly workout schedule that includes many virtual workout classes daily with multiple types and instructors so people can work out right in their homes.
The other fear is that this will completely change everyday life and that life will never go back to the way it was before. One resident, Chelsea Logan had an idea to bring hope that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Her idea is that anytime she or a family member wished they could do something or go somewhere, see a loved one, visit a new place, etc., they will write it down and place the ideas in a jar so that when this is all over they can choose activities to do out of the jar and feel more grateful to be doing them.
DuPont residents, as well as the city, have really been so focused on supporting each other through this dark and uncertain time. The city has set up an area outside the city hall where a full pantry has been set up just in case a resident needs an item and cannot make it all the way to the store, with the hopes that the item is traded of course. It is all stocked up for anyone in need, resident Melanie Stone has even offered to deliver this pantry food if you are unable to make it there. She said, “It’s okay to ask for help every once in a while, everyone knows we all need it sometimes. We are all in this together!’
Many city residents have also offered to grab items at grocery stores for other residents while they were already going to do their own shopping. Trevor Owens has even offered to take items to the dump if anyone has items to throw away but are unable to do so.
Everyday life and keeping oneself mentally entertained has also been a concern of residents. A post on the local city Facebook page set up a way for residents to share puzzles while practicing social distancing. Many porches around town can be seen with piles of puzzles left out with the same idea as the food pantry, bring a puzzle and take a puzzle.
This quarantine has also affected how holidays are being celebrated. Local photographer Lynsey Strader has offered to take porch family portraits while standing at least six feet away. Lynsey Steadman Strader said this about the experience, “We love this community and feel so grateful to be here in DuPont with such amazing people during such a crazy time.’ And for Easter, one resident decorated their car and dressed in a bunny suit and drove around the neighborhood waving at local children, while another resident placed large blow-up bunnies in their yard, both 6 feet apart, and made it known that anyone in the community was welcome to bring their children and take pictures with the Easter bunny. Everyday life has most certainly changed; however, communities are staying positive and doing anything they can to help each other get through this new way of life.
