BROWN COUNTY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — While many local businesses fight to stay open during this pandemic, it’s still causing financial difficulties for many workers.
Business is slower than usual at Margarita’s of Green Bay, It’s a result of the new state guidelines managers are following to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
“We are using social distancing which is recommended so we are keeping people 6 ft away and skipping every other table,” explained Sid Boehm. “The time limit helps to get more people in and out. There are a lot of people looking for a place to eat and need a place to eat, so we are trying to fill that role for them for as many people as possible.
While some businesses have opted to close their doors, for the time being, Margarita’s owner Sid Boehm said he wanted to give his staff the chance to work for as long as possible.
“We are doing all that we can to make sure that happens. Moving people from serving to answering phones and paying an hourly wage, but we are doing all that we can to keep people on the payroll for as long as we can,” he added.
For those who are already or may be laid off, a community relief fund is being set up to help ease the burden.
“We know when there are economic stressors put on a community, things like food, childcare, transportation, health, and hygiene items can rise to the top in terms of the needs of a community,” said United Way of Brown County President Robyn Davis.
Brown County United Way and the Greater Green Bay Community Foundation has already collected more than $70,000, but they’re still in need of more donors.
“Certainly in unprecedented times like this, it’s important for leaders to come together and understand how we can bring those resources together and get them out to the places where the greatest need has been expressed,” said Dennis Buehler from the Greater Green Bay Community Foundation.
All of the money collected will be distributed among local non-profits who will then disperse the money to residents.
Click here to learn more about the foundation and how to donate.
