You should know these 11 women — plus several groups — ‘holding it down’ for Dayton during the pandemic

We are taking a different approach to our Daytonian of the Week.

We received a ton of reaction when we asked local residents on Facebook to tell us about people who were holding it down for Dayton through the coronavirus.

This week’s Daytonians of the Week are among the major standouts.

And what do you know, the majority are women.

🏆 1) TAE WINSTON AT THE ENTREPRENEURS MARKETPLACE

"Tae Winston at the Entrepreneurs Marketplace in Wright Dunbar! They have stayed open and provided essential items while supporting other small businesses. They also fed 500 families on Easter Sunday." — Erica Knapp Hubler

>> RELATED: Dayton women band together — and with surprise help from a nonprofit — feed 500 

🏆 2) APRIL KINGSTON-MESCHER AND THE FEMME AID COLLABORATIVE 

"Period poverty doesn't stop during a pandemic and they have been working to get period supplies to those in need." — Jen Cadieux

>>  RELATED: Feminine products needed! Nonprofit started by Oakwood students is here to help

🏆 3) MELODIE BENNETT OF THE HOUSE OF BREAD

"Melodie Bennett at The House of Bread, who is overseeing the daily service of hot lunches to anyone who needs it with grace and compassion." — Linda Lombard

>> RELATED: How to get food if you don’t have a car

🏆 4) DAJ’ZA DEMMINGS AND DAYTON YOUNG BLACK PROFESSIONALS

As part of a partnership with attorney Michael Wright , Honey Baked Ham in Springfield and Troy, and Owens Entertainment, Dayton Young Black Professionals distributed more than 560 meals to health care workers, nursing facilities, Hilltop Community Homes residents and The Job Center last week.

>> RELATED: Daytonian of the Week on tornado work: ‘It was only right that I took care of home the best way I could’

🏆 5) BRENDA WILSON REX OF DAYTON SEWING COLLABORATIVE AND OTHERS IN THE SEWING COMMUNITY

"Brenda Wilson Rex, Tursia Porter Turner, Jennifer Davis, Anita from Sew To Speak and Fabric and Yarn for heading up big local mask efforts in volunteering, donations, donating time and holding us all together that are making these masks. They have enlightened my feed with positive posts too." —Tracy McElfresh 

>> Overwhelmed, but sewing on, group stops distributing mask kits and accepting donations

🏆 6) TERESA PERRETTA

"Teresa Perretta (for) using her drive, brilliance, and love for our city to help businesses transition and switch gears during this crisis." — Tony Barnes

🏆 7) MACKENZIE MANLEY OF MACK'S TAVERN IN CENTERVILLE

“MacKenzie Manley — she has adapted her business to the changes and has kept the ball rolling. Through it all, she greets her customers with a smile and a sense of humor. She rocks!” —  Aimee Thomes Plesa

>> Daytonian of the Week: Chef starts bagged lunch program to help feed kids during coronavirus pandemic

🏆 8) MICHELLE RILEY OF THE FOODBANK

"Michelle Riley, Lee Truesdale and the entire team at the Foodbank! ♥️♥️"  — Karen Dempsey Volke

>> The Foodbank’s drive-thru will be open Monday and Wednesday

🏆 9) ROBIN SASSENBERG OF THE TROLLEY STOP

"The Trolley Stop has always been an anchor for the Oregon District, and Robin is always there through thick and thin, giving selfless encouragement. ❤️She's a true leader and a wonderful person. And always with that beautiful smile and sense of humor." — Karen Kelly Brown 

 10) EVA BUTTACAVOLI OF THE CONTEMPORARY

"Eva Buttacavoli for holding virtual town halls to keep the arts community connected and active." — Curtis Bowman 

 >> BEST OF DAYTON WINNERS: Bars, beer, breweries and nightlife

11) RACHEL DAWSON 

“Rachel Dawson for taking “Dewine Time” press conference notes and posting them for all who may have missed it.” —  Allison Kilburn

12) THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS 

“My League volunteers who as a small but mighty group have produced (875) masks and have repaired (840) N95 masks for Ohio Health Dept ... and counting.” — Susan Hesselgesser