David Calderon

Niche Business Owner Responds to COVID-19 Supplies Call for Action

In times of crisis, the contributions of one person can help sustain an entire community. When COVID-19 created a dire need for hand sanitizer, community member David Calderon realized that he was in a unique position to help. 

Calderon owns a CBD store and CBD manufacturing company. Many of the e-liquid companies he works with started manufacturing hand sanitizer when demand skyrocketed in early spring, so he decided to offer the product at his store. 

In hopes of supporting the Jewish community, Calderon donated more than 200 individual bottles to Popsie’s Pantry and more than 30 gallons to Hooverwood Living. He made the donation in memory of JJ Abrams, a beloved member of the Indianapolis Jewish community and the father of Calderon’s uncle and mentor.

“JJ Abrams was a lifetime supporter of the Federation and the work that we do,” Rachel Katz, Jewish Family Services (JFS) Program Director said. “To honor him in this way is really meaningful.” 

Calderon said he hopes his donation makes a difference and helps keep people clean. 

“Applying sanitizer is one of the only ways to curb the spread of the virus, especially in closed quarters” Calderon said. 

The difference made is clear. Thanks to Calederon’s generosity, JFS clients now have access to an increasingly necessary product. Hand sanitizer is hard for anyone to buy right now, but it is especially difficult for those who do not have the money or resources to go out and make purchases. 

The JFS staff is able to distribute sanitizer to every client who uses Popsie’s Pantry. And because of the financial fallout caused by Covid-19, the number of people who rely on the pantry is growing. In April, the pantry provided groceries 85 percent more times compared to April of last year. In an average month in 2019, the pantry supplied groceries 76 times. Last month, groceries were provided 122 times. 

While people of all ages and backgrounds are receiving the sanitizer, it is especially helpful for older adults and adults with arthritis, because the pop top bottles are easier to open compared to other companies’ bottles. 

JFS staff use the sanitizer to stay safe as they carry out the grocery shopping and interact with their clients. There are also bottles stocked in the JFS “wheels to wellness” bus. Clients who use the bus for medical transportation are expected to apply hand sanitizer upon entering. 

Calderon wants to encourage others to give what they can to those in need. He is continuing JJ’s legacy by doing what he can to support his community. 

“JJ Abrams was a thoughtful man who cared about the health and safety of others and was devoted to his family and his community,” Lori Moss, JFS Executive Director said. “He will be missed by so many.”

According to Calderon, the best thing a person can do is to help a neighbor. He said we are most successful when we act together. 

“It’s important for Jewish people to help Jewish people,” Calederon said. “That’s the only way we’ve made it so far. We have to keep doing that.”

Following his initial donation, Calderon donated two more gallons of hand sanitizer for JFS to refill bottles they have in their office.