In policy circles, Iowa is perhaps best known for being the first significant battleground in the US Presidential primaries. Others may recognize Iowa’s unparalleled state fair or as the heavenly setting for the baseball movie classic Field of Dreams. However, people who’ve been to Iowa know that the best parts of Iowa are the Iowans who proudly subscribe to the label, “Iowa Nice.”

Iowa Nice is an accurate description of many encounters locals and strangers alike encounter when meeting up with an Iowan. It’s the Uber driver at the Des Moines airport who will talk to you as if you’ve known him for years and he’s just picking a friend up at the airport. And, it’s most evident in the pride expressed in Iowa’s greatest resource—its people—by the team at Tax Education Foundation of Iowa (TEF Iowa).

It’s not surprising in times like these that Iowans have stepped up to help their fellow residents in so many ways that the TEF Iowa has chronicled their numerous acts of service and kindness. There are examples of businesses providing food to those in need, citizens constructing personal protection equipment for medical personnel, and good Samaritans creating connections for lonely shut-ins or children who are missing out on birthday parties.

A few of the best stories are listed below:

A group of college kids in Marion taking online courses are delivering groceries to seniors in their spare time.

Communities across the state are putting hearts and stuffed animals in windows to lift the spirits of children and adults alike.

Recently, a new Disaster Recovery Fund was activated in Des Moines and the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines committed $100,000 to the fund. United Way of Central Iowa matched that donation.

Fareway, Hy-Vee, and Walmart are awarding bonuses and other benefits to their employees who continue to serve on the front lines of the COVID-19 crisis.

Prairie Meadows Casino Racetrack & Hotel donated 2,775 pounds of food to Des Moines Area Religious Council.

Iowa biofuels plants donate materials for prisoners to make hand sanitizer.