We're living in crazy and uncertain times right now, but the Nevada community has still found a way to come together and help each other out. The current coronavirus epidemic has caused all sorts of shortages across the country and world, including that of precious hand sanitizer. To combat this, several Reno-area distilleries have taken it upon themselves to start producing sanitizer instead of spirits for the time being. It hopefully won't be too long before these distilleries can resume normal business, but for the time being these local distilleries are making a huge difference towards Nevadans who are in need.

Businesses have been shutting down across the entire country in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. However, some Nevada businesses are doing everything they can to not only stay busy but help those who are in need.

Several Reno-area distilleries have begun mass producing hand sanitizer to help local hospitals and other organizations in need. These distilleries already had the equipment, man power, and ingredients needed to make hand sanitizer, so the choice was obvious for them.

The current shortage of hand sanitizer has had a tremendously negative effect on local hospitals. One of the distilleries that have begun helping out is Seven Troughs in Sparks. In just one week, they produced nearly 200 gallons of hand sanitizer to give to Renown Hospital and other first responders.

The Centers for Disease Control has stated that alcohol-based solutions with at least 70% alcohol are deemed successful for disinfecting and killing germs, including coronavirus. What the distillers are doing to make the sanitizer is simply combining ethanol with glycerol and hydrogen peroxide.

Other area distilleries that have taken on sanitizer production include The Depot Craft Brewery and Distillery, Ferino Distillery, and Verdi Local Distillery. This follows a trend of more than 350 distilleries across the country who have made the same decision to help their communities.

For now, many of these distilleries are prioritizing the people and organizations that need sanitizer the most, such as hospital workers. However, some of them will also have sanitizer available for the general public to purchase. The Depot in Reno expects to start offering 2.2-ounce bottles of sanitizer for a suggested donation of $3 to anybody who would like some.

It's easy to feel helpless in times like this, but these Nevada businesses are showing that it's still possible to support our fellow Nevadans despite the chaos. When this hardship is all said and done, we'll have grown stronger as a community because of it!

It's stories like this that make us extremely proud to be Nevadans. Do you know of any local business that could use some extra love right now? Nominate them to be featured here.