Chargrill Charlie's heartwarming community gesture

In times of crisis, it's lovely to see communities coming together to support each other. And during the coronavirus pandemic, we've seen some really nice things happening.

Aussies have been donating coffees to health care workers, people have been picking up shopping for vulnerable neighbours and organisations are cropping up to help struggling small businesses that have had to close.

The latest in a long list of thoughtful deeds comes out of the northern suburbs of Sydney, where a chicken shop has begun offering free meals to people in need.

Chargrill Charlies, a chain with stores across Sydney and Melbourne, is being praised by Mosman locals for a sign in their window.

It reads: "If you or someone you know is in need, we would like to extend an invitation to come in for dinner at no charge."

"Available daily. No questions asked."

A photo of the sign was shared in a Facebook group, where community members shared their love of the chicken shop.

"Truly a business here for our community," one woman wrote. "Serving delicious food and supporting local fundraisers. This generous offer is typical of Charlie's."

The offer is also available at Melbourne's Camberwell store.

Charlie's isn't the only chicken shop helping those in need. Chicken Licious, in Sydney's south, always offers free meals community members who are struggling. According to the shop's owner, in the last couple of weeks many more people have reached out about the service.

Chargrill Charlie's were one of the first fast food chains to introduce new measures to help protect their staff and customers from COVID-19.

Over two weeks ago they announced they were switching to card payments only, and introduced a contactless ordering system to eliminate unnecessary person-to-person interaction.

Although all restaurants and cafes have switched to takeaway only, now is the time for us to be supporting our local businesses.

Not sure where to start? There are Instagram accounts keeping track of which restaurants are now offering take-away, and websites set up where you can buy gift cards for local businesses to use once the pandemic is over.

Bars are also getting in on the action, with takeaway and delivery cocktails being offered in cities around Australia.