Millions of Americans have lost their jobs amid the coronavirus pandemic which is already causing an economic crisis. The unemployment rate has reached new heights and millions of Americans are filing for unemployment benefits.
While many employers are terminating their employee’s contracts during the pandemic, some of them are helping their employees during a difficult time.
“I can’t just sit here and do nothing”
Jennifer Knox, the owner of the Sand Bar in Tybee, Georgia, was forced the close the doors of her establishment because of the coronavirus pandemic. Jennifer’s bar was famous for its signature wall where patrons could stick a note or use a dollar bill with their name on it instead. The walls and ceilings of Sand Bar were lined with notes and bills until the coronavirus outbreak changed everything.
However, Jennifer was determined to use her creativity to help her employees and lift up everyone’s spirits during a troubling time.
Money does not grow on trees – but it can grow on the walls!
“We were sitting there doors locked and I’m like, ‘Oh my gosh, there’s money on the walls and we have time on our hands,’” Jennifer told media. “‘We gotta get this money down. I can’t just sit here and do nothing,” she added. “I’ll do what I can for my people.”
Jennifer’s amazing idea to take down dollar bills and donate all the money to bartenders and musicians working at the bar quickly attracted attention and prompted her to share the story on Facebook.
The spring cleaning yields a small treasure
“Figure, we got money (on the walls), and we got time!!” she wrote. “So excited for this Labor of Love. And a good spring cleaning!! Stay tuned,” Jennifer wrote in her post.
She created a small challenge by asking Facebook users to how many dollars were on the walls on her bar. Removing the bills was no easy task though, it took five people more than three days to take down the bills and then clean and count them.
At the final count, the tally stood at $3,714!
Jennifer’s generosity has prompted others to donate money to the cause
“Feeling overwhelmed today, with good and bad feelings,” Jennifer shared on Sunday. “[I]t’s hard to balance all these thoughts and feelings. I’ve set up a Venmo account, not only for my employees and musicians, but any other service industry person on tybee that needs the help. If you are feeling called to donate, here’s how. 100% is going to the people.”
Donations poured in soon after her post and the total sum climbed to $4,104 and was split between six people, four bartenders, and two musicians. Each received $600.
“We all look out for each other,” Knox said. “We are all in this together.”
At a time when millions of people are losing their jobs, Jennifer has decided to step in and help her employees in times of crisis. We can only applaud her act as a true demonstration of human solidarity and kindness. We hope the story will be an example that other employers will follow.
Source: Jennifer Knox
