During this time of need, I love learning about how businesses and individuals are stepping up to help however they can.

Oregon has a number of distilleries, and many of them are converting their production away from booze and starting to produce much-needed hand sanitizer.

Oregon Grain Growers in Pendleton produced 125 gallons of hand sanitizer yesterday alone to be distributed for free to local nursing homes, doctor’s offices, and first-responders.

“I sleep better at night making hand sanitizer than alcohol right now,” says owner Rodney Bullington.

Hood River Distillers has produced 1,000 in the past couple weeks and is aiming for another 11,000 gallons soon. It is working with the Oregon Health Authority to distribute to health care and food service workers.

A number of Portland-area distilleries are stepping up including New Deal, Stone Barn Brandyworks, Rose City Distilling, Shine Distillery, Aria Gin, Freeland Spirits, and more.

Stillwagon Distillery in Charleston, just two miles down the road from where I grew up, owned by and operated by dear friends, and producer of the best rum I’ve ever tasted, is now joining the cause. They will provide hand sanitizer to local healthcare workers and hospitals

Owner Richard Stillwagon says, “This will pass. Humanity has experienced pandemics, wars, and famine many, many times. What we will be remembered for will be what we did and how we acted during that crisis.”

All these distillers are, like most businesses, struggling through this difficult time. Most will make no profit or lose money doing what must be done. Please consider them in your purchases now and in the future.