The South Coast Almanac is partnering with local First Citizens Federal Credit Union and 12 small businesses from Westport to Wareham -- including Ella’s Wood Burning Oven Restaurant -- to give the companies and restaurants a boost in an uncertain time for them. 

The publication will work with their business partners to offer unique themed baskets with goods or gift cards from the 12 restaurants or retailers. 

The idea for the project came from Wareham resident Anthi Frangiadis, who owns the Drawing Room in New Bedford. 

“In a recent podcast, I learned of an independent shop owner from Tennessee who organized a similar campaign with her fellow small business owners to come together and support each other; what she said resonated with me and I wondered how I could bring the concept to the South Coast,” the owner of The Drawing Room said. “The Almanac was the perfect partner to help make this happen.”

Two of the themed boxes will have various items, depending on what’s in stock for the small businesses. 

They include a Comfort Box, with items like candles that will help buyers be comfortable at home and things like masks that will help them to be comfortable in public and a Porch Living Box, with items that adults will find whimsical and fun to enjoy with cocktail mixes or drink infusions on the porch. 

The Foodie Box is slightly different, as it will have all gift cards to local businesses and one treat that can be eaten on arrival, or when picked up curbside. 

Marlissa Briggett, publisher for the Almanac, said that she is “so excited about it.” She said figuring out which products to put in which boxes was a bit like a jigsaw puzzle. 

She is happy with the results, however, as she says that box recipients “know they will get good stuff, but don’t know what it will be.” 

Overall, Briggett finds it “pretty cool to have a bunch of businesses working together like this. It’s definitely unique.” 

Boxes will only be available until June 25. For more information, see https://southcoastalmanac.com/lift-up/.