BOISE, Idaho — 2020 has been rough on local businesses, but that hasn't stopped several Boise businesses from giving back in a variety of ways during the holiday season.
Since 1995 Old Chicago in downtown has hosted Miracle on Idaho Street to feed the hungry on Christmas day, however, Old Chicago closed its doors for good back in March.
So their neighbor Mai Thai decided to celebrate the opening of a new restaurant by carrying on the tradition left behind by Old Chicago.
"This is a historical building that is called Union Block, so our restaurant is called Union Block," said Corey Bailey a chef at Mai Thai. "We wanted to kick off our opening by feeding the homeless on Christmas.”
At 1:00 p.m. on Christmas Day families and people who need food can pick up a meal with turkey, ham and all the fixings from Mai Thai.
“We will box up a meal with a dessert and families can come down and pick it up," said Bailey.
Other businesses have been generous as well there is a message on a sign at Andrade's Restaurant that says, "Hungry? No Money? We will feed you."
Boise at its Best Flowers has done pretty well during the pandemic, the owner credits their delivery service for keeping them busy, but they are worn out and will temporarily close between Christmas and New Years for the first time in 26 years.
But before they took a break they invited the public in to pick up free roses for Christmas.
"Flowers are scientifically proven to boost mood and productivity," said Georgia White of Boise at its Best Flowers. “I just grew up with flowers being my whole life and I just can't stand to see one die without being enjoyed by someone."
It's a good reminder of how important local businesses are to the community, especially after a rough year where several businesses were forced to close their doors for good.
