This year sure has been an odd one so far thanks to the coronavirus pandemic. With schools and businesses closed, gatherings prohibited, and toilet paper and hand sanitizer becoming hot commodities, we're in uncharted territory. In the midst of the craziness, some individuals and businesses have been stepping up to offer help where it's most needed. Brickway Brewery in Omaha is one of those businesses - and they're helping in a big way.

The popular Brickway Brewery and Distillery has been an Old Market fixture for quite a while. The beers and booze that come out of Brickway's tanks are high quality and always delicious.

Usually, the taproom is filled with patrons enjoying some distinctive drinks. However, due to the virus shutdown, Brickway is currently offering to-go orders only. They're also making a product they've never even though of before now: hand sanitizer.

When it became clear that the hand sanitizer supply was dangerously low, the company realized that they were in a unique position to help. They quickly put their distillery equipment to use producing their own brand of hand sanitizer.

This wasn't a clever way to make more money, though. Brickway saw a need among first responders and hospital workers for this crucial product and came to the rescue. They have, so far, donated thousands of pounds of their product to hospitals, fire and rescue personnel, and police stations.

Brickway has also started offering its coronavirus-fighting product to the public. On select days, guests are invited to come in with their own containers to receive up to 64 ounces of hand sanitizer, absolutely free. Recipients are asked to make a goodwill donation of whatever amount they can afford. The donations allow Brickway to continue offering its hand sanitizer for free. (While you're there, pick up some of their beer or package liquor to take home!)

So far, there have been three such giveaway days. Each time, people have lined up (staying at least six feet apart, of course) to receive their own bottle of sanitizer. The line stretches for blocks and blocks, but it moves pretty quickly. Once you reach the front of the line, you hand over your bottle for one of the helpful workers to fill, then head home with a bottle of liquid gold. But don't worry if you can't make it on these giveaway days; the brewery/distillery offers one free 10-oz. bottle of hand sanitizer per person every day.

Thanks to this new venture, Brickway has been able to bring back several of its laid-off workers to help get this valuable resource into the hands of Nebraskans. If you aren't planning to visit Brickway but would like to help out this admirable mission, you can donate to their GoFundMe campaign to keep the sanitizer flowing.

Follow Brickway's Facebook page or Twitter to get more information about upcoming giveaways and other news. Also, check out their website for more information on the beer and spirits they lovingly make.