From staff reports
The Clarion Area Chamber of Business and Industry has launched a campaign to collect cash and gift cards for the front line in the battle against the COVID-19 VIRUS.
That front line includes area residents employed at “life-sustaining” businesses and services.
The chamber’s effort is a campaign where people can donate a monetary gift. Money that is donated will in turn be used to purchase gift certificates for food and/or services.
Gift certificates/cards will be purchased at those businesses that are currently closed as they are classified as non-essential by the governor.
The gift certificates purchased will then be delivered to those responders and people working at life-sustaining businesses as a “thank you” to their employees.
The chamber wants to provide a way for area residents to thank all of those individuals who are working long hours at the hospital, nursing homes, grocery stores, restaurants, police departments, etc.
The chamber also is asking local children to create a “thank you” card. Once the card is finished, they can be dropped off at the chamber office (650 Main Street, Clarion) or dropped it in the mail. There is a mail slot on the front door. A box will be on the inside to collect the cards as they are being put in the mail slot.
The effort will continue through Friday, April 24. Then the following week, gift certificates/cards will be purchased. Those businesses which have signed up through the chamber’s website will be contacted to make arrangements to pick-up their box of gift certificates and thank you cards.
Details for donating can also be found on the Clarion Area Chamber of Business and Industry’s Facebook page. For more information, contact the chamber at (814) 226-9161.