MUSKEGON, Mich. — A new program launched by the Lakeshore Muskegon Chamber of Commerce is looking to raise money to give 1,000 Mercy Health front line health workers something special this holiday season, while also helping to keep area businesses afloat.
The idea for the Lakeshore Community Cash program was born just a few weeks ago, as chamber members discussed ways to thank healthcare workers, while at the same time offering some financial assistance to restaurants and shops in Muskegon.
"The idea is to create a full-circle campaign that will provide 1,000 holiday stockings, each filled with Muskegon community cash and some generous local gift cards, for 1,000 Muskegon nurses and front line health care workers to begin to use locally,” said Steve Olsen, a Board Chair with the Chamber.
They are trying to raise $20,000 in the next week in order to give all 1,000 healthcare workers at least $20.00 to spend.
You can donate to the campaign HERE.
Once the stockings and certificates have been distributed, they can be used at over 65 area businesses, like The Fish Monger's Wife on Sherman.
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“The need is very, very real right now. We’re all in the same storm, but not everybody's boat is the same,” said Amber Petersen, owner and operator at The Fish Monger's Wife.
“This is not the time to forget about small businesses, because come 2021, there is going to be less of them. So, if you don't want your favorite little business to be one of those businesses that don't make it, you need to support them.”
The Chamber is still accepting businesses to be included in the program. You can inquire about signing up your business HERE.