Across the world, communities are banning together in the face of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and now the fast approaching holidays. A lot of people this year may need a helping hand, and fortunately good Samaritans are stepping up to the plate to serve their community. Nash Habib, the owner of Angelo’s Towing, is no stranger to charity work.
“In 2019, we donated hundreds of turkeys so people could enjoy a good holiday meal,” Nash Habib points out. “It always feels good to help the community, but at the end of the day, it’s about the people we serve. I hope everyone can enjoy a good holiday meal with loved ones this year.”
Donations surged during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, with many wealthy people and large companies stepping up their giving. Food banks have become the frontline of efforts to keep communities afloat with demand increasing dramatically, a trend Nash Habib (who also goes by Nashwan Habib) has observed.
“We’ve definitely seen an increase in demand for donated food in my community,” Nash Habib says. “A lot of people are out of work and many are seeing unemployment and other social benefits dry up. That makes it hard to put food on the table. We help when we can.”
Many Americans struggle to save cash. Back in August, a SimplyWise survey found that nearly 40 percent of the families that saw a reduction in income would struggle to last a month on savings alone. Many families are now facing a choice between making rent/mortgage payments, keeping the lights on, and buying dinner. While extended unemployment benefits and eviction protections have helped, many families are teetering on the edge. Nash Habib has seen many people struggle in his own community.
“I know a lot of hard working folks who are in a tough spot right now. Plenty of people would be happy to work, but businesses are shut down and COVID-19 presents a serious risk,” Nash Habib points out. “I’ve been helping people where I can, providing food and other resources.”
In a survey over the summer, over 40 percent of small businesses reported that they were temporarily closed due to COVID-19. While business conditions have improved a bit in recent weeks, many experts fear that countless small businesses will be forced to shutter operations permanently. As a small business owner, Nash Habib has felt the impact of the pandemic.
“It’s been a tough few months for towing companies in general,” Nash Habib says. “People are driving less, there’s less demand for services. I know many other small businesses, such as restaurants, are facing similar headwinds. With the holidays having arrived, I am trying to do everything I can for my employees and community, but it’s been a tough year.”
The struggle is far from over and leaders across the world at stepping up to provide assistance. With the holidays fast approaching, it’s important for everyone to ask how they can help their community.
