Neighbors Helping Neighbors: Businesses Stepping Up to Help in Pandemic
Scott Fisher of Seashore Ace
No one could have prepared us for how our lives and businesses would change as a result of this pandemic. It’s been more than three long months since this started, and things still aren’t back to normal. Although each day there have been a lot of negative and difficult things to handle, it’s nice to try to find the positive things that have come from this pandemic as well.
Every time we turn on the news or check out social media, we are flooded with stories of people who are giving back, helping out and doing whatever it takes to lend a hand to someone who needs it. It’s incredibly heartwarming to hear stories of children thanking essential workers, teachers who drove door-to-door to drop off gifts and wish their students a good summer, and stories of people who couldn’t order what they needed to help out, so they found a way to make what they needed instead. We are fortunate to live in a community full of caring people who constantly go the extra mile for everyone else.
Seashore Ace started a “Feed the County” grill giveaway and food fundraiser to help out anyone who has been impacted financially by COVID-19. It typically does a grill giveaway this time of year, and by tying it to raising donations for local food banks, it was able to run a promotion that benefited its customers and the community. The premise was simple – anyone who purchased a grill for $399 or more was entered to win a Traeger Pellet Grill. Customers who brought in a bag of nonperishable food to donate to a local food bank were given a bonus entry in the contest. Several customers, and even employees, participated in the donation drive.
“In addition, we were able to connect with a supplier of commercial sanitation products and have worked with many local businesses [hotels, real estate agencies, and cleaning companies] to get them the products they need to safely and efficiently disinfect their locations,” manager Sue DeLosso says. “We’ve educated these companies on the ‘wet fogging’ process that is safe, quick and requires no wiping.” The store also has been helping other businesses open and their employees get back to work.
Kailyn Angelo of Duck Donuts
Allison O’Connor of Louella
The folks at Duck Donuts took donuts to nurses to thank them for their service during this difficult time. “We plan to continue to support our medical professionals, EMTs, and police as we often do by dropping off donuts throughout the summer season,” owner Lynda Angelo says. “Hoping to provide a bit of comfort, in the form of a sweet treat, to all during these unfamiliar times by offering our donuts in a safe and friendly atmosphere!”
Avalon Duck Donuts took all of the necessary precautions before it was able to open up its store again. Customers can choose to order online or call for curbside service or contactless pickup if they prefer to not go inside the store. Guests are required to wear masks inside the store while practicing social distancing and they will be greeted by employees from behind clear protective shields.
Louella Avalon is one of the new stores in town and owner Maria Delany didn’t hesitate to jump in and help out. The staff donated masks to the Avalon Police Department that the officers will continue to need for the months ahead.
“We appreciate the first responders and all the risks they face on a daily basis,” says Delany. “Donating our comfy made-in-USA masks is just a small token of our appreciation for all they do to keep our Seven Mile island safe and secure.”
Thank you to everyone who is lending a hand during this pandemic. Our first responders are so appreciative and every little bit goes a long way.
