As many local businesses in Bastrop County are struggling under the economic breakdown caused by the coronavirus pandemic, several establishments are helping their communities endure the hardship.

Smithville custom perfume company Mixologie announced last week that it’s partnering with Bone Spirits Distillery to produce, package and distribute hand sanitizer. It’s a move that co-owner Jeff Wise said is a way to help keep the business afloat and their workers employed while addressing the needs of the community.

“We’re trying to hit two birds with one stone,” Wise said.

Sales of perfumes and custom scents “dropped off a cliff” in mid-March as the coronavirus outbreak forced state and local leaders to issue disaster declarations that banned public gatherings of more than 10 people.

Wise and co-owner Sammie Hill sent home their seven full-time employees with two weeks of advanced pay, not knowing what the future holds. But this week, after partnering with Bone Spirits Distillery, they’ve brought back their workers to pivot the company toward manufacturing thousands of hand sanitizer bottles that have begun to circulate throughout the community. Bone Spirits produces the liquid-gel sanitizer, and Mixologie provides the containers and labels.

The first batch of 500 bottles was donated to the Bastrop County Emergency Communication Center for distribution among first responders. This week, in addition to another 500 bottles slated for first responders, Mixologie will be distributing 2,000 bottles in Smithville through a drive thru-open to all residents. The bottles will be handed out for free at the Smithville Recreation Center on Wednesday between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. and between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.

In Bastrop, one of the area’s newest pizzerias, Pizza By Me located along Texas 95 near Lake Bastrop Acres, began offering free pizzas to first responders and medical workers.

As a business whose sales are primarily done through deliveries, an order by Gov. Greg Abbott earlier this month requiring restaurants to shut down their dining rooms has been a business boon for the local pizza eatery. While other restaurants are transitioning to take-out or delivery business models, Pizza By Me is doing what it does best: take-out and delivery.

“Pizza is always recognized by being in the box, so it’s kind of hard to beat us at our own game,” said Pizza By Me General Manager Angel Montoya. “We’re designed for this.”

While the business enjoys a temporary upsurge in deliveries, it has been paying it forward by giving anyone on the front lines of the coronavirus crisis a free 11-inch pizza.

Additionally, the eatery has handed out thousands of free pizza coupons throughout the community.

It gives owner Ed Youngblood a “warm fuzzy feeling” when he’s able to give back to his community, and he says it has the double benefit of publicizing the name of his nascent business, which opened five months ago.

“It extends our word-of-mouth advertising. We put this post (on Facebook) that says, ‘If you lost your job and want to eat, stop by,’” Youngblood said. “We’re extending our reach through giving away something instead of paying for advertising dollars.”

Other businesses are taking similar actions. The Smithville Pharmacy has plans to distribute hand sanitizer, the Colorado River Cowboy Church is producing face masks, and the Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce is coordinating volunteers to help feed seniors or others who are unable to leave their homes. On Monday, the Smithville school district donated 184 pounds of food to the Smithville Food Pantry.

“The Smithville community as a whole is stepping up and supporting our small businesses,” said Smithville chamber Director April Daniels. “They’re buying locally, ordering take-out and curbside and taking advantage of delivery options.”